The Institute of Refrigeration’s Women in RACHP Network is celebrating ten years of supporting greater diversity, professional development and collaboration across the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump sector.
To mark the anniversary, the IOR has released a special episode of its States of Matter podcast featuring Samantha Buckell and IOR Chief Executive Miriam Rodway. During the conversation, they reflect on how the network began, its development over the past decade and the initiatives that have helped more people discover careers in RACHP and engineering.
The episode explores the network’s early training sessions and networking activities, as well as the challenges, achievements and memorable moments that have shaped its work. It also highlights the importance of representation and professional communities in creating positive change within a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Since its establishment, the Women in RACHP Network has organised practical engineering days, career development events, technical visits and networking meetings. Its activities are open to people working in technical and non-technical roles across the sector.
Among the network’s major initiatives was the “100 for 100” campaign, launched to increase the number of female IOR members. The campaign contributed to an increase of more than 100% in the Institute’s female membership.
In 2020, WiRACHP conducted research into the benefits available to women in the industry and attitudes towards gender diversity. The study identified opportunities to attract more women and young people to careers in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps.
The network launched the States of Matter podcast in 2022, providing a platform for women to share their career stories and discuss professional and workplace issues. A monthly WiRACHP blog followed in 2024.
Today, the network also represents the IOR in international initiatives, including the International Network of Women in Cooling and the International Institute of Refrigeration’s Careers in Cooling programme.
The anniversary podcast forms part of the IOR’s World Refrigeration Day 2026 programme and is available through Podbean and major podcast platforms.
As it enters its second decade, the Women in RACHP Network intends to continue developing opportunities for learning, connection and greater representation across the cooling industry.
