Diversity in Sustainability

3rd October 2018

Do you know that the environmental profession is the second least diverse profession in the UK, after farming?  This was revealed in a Policy Exchange report. 

EAUC are contributing to research being undertake by NUS, IEMA and the Equality Trust to investigate the racial diversity of the environmental sustainability sector. 

The research aims to further quantify and qualify the current situation, with a specific focus on the inclusion of communities of colour*.
 
The research is being carried out in three phases:
 

• A desk review of relevant national statistics and existing literature.
• A scoping study on racial diversity within organisations working across the environmental sustainability sector, and current practices aiming to improve inclusivity.
• Survey research with current students and recent graduates to understand perspectives of the sector, including motivations for and barriers to entry, from recent and future employees. 

A report outlining the findings from all three phases of the report will be launched at a roundtable event for key stakeholders in the House of Lords in December 2018 hosted by Baroness Lola Young OBE. 

EAUC have provided data on our Board and Staff to contribute to the research. 

* This terminology is being used following consultation with NUS’ Black Students’ Campaign which represents students of Africa, Asian, Arab and Caribbean descent at a local and national level on all issues affecting these students.  We recognise that there are likely to be multiple definitions of race and ethnicity across the organisations taking part in this research.