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About the Diverse Sustainability Initiative

Transparent commitments and accountability ensures a profession that is open and accessible to all.

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Changing the workplace

The Diverse Sustainability Initiative (DSI) is a collaborative programme of work with the vision to transform diversity within the sustainability profession and wider environment sector. It is led by ISEP and works collectively with partners in the environment or sustainability profession to drive change.

The Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (formerly the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registration Number: 03690916 Place of Registration: England and Wales. Registered Office Address: Fenland House, 15 B Hostmoor Avenue, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0AX.

DSI vision

The vision of the DSI is to help build a diverse and inclusive profession that reflects modern Britain.

DSI mission

 

  1. Working as a facilitator of change rather than leader of change.  
  2. Providing practical tools and resources for organisations so that they have the knowledge and confidence to drive change within the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) space.  
  3. Facilitating communities and networks, collating feedback to inform organisations, or to provide guidance on which EDI areas organisations need to improve.  
  4. Providing a space for individuals, organisations and teams to support one another.  

The DSI aims to: 

Maintain a brave space for underrepresented groups to share their barriers, ensuring they have a voice and a sense of belonging, while making it clear that the responsibility for change rests with the wider profession, not this network. 

Connect and utilise organisations committed to sustainability and the environment to share best practices, address challenges, and work collectively towards a more inclusive profession.  

Watch the video to find out more about the DSI and what we do

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View our Strategy Document

DSI strategy

Our approach

The Diverse Sustainability Initiative’s approach to this work will be to engage minority groups through a process of:

Listening and understanding

To establish the barriers and challenges present for different groups within society, we currently do this through our People of Colour and LGBTQIA+ networks.

Innovation and action

Aiming to break down barriers and eradicate challenges for minority groups.

Communication, monitoring and reporting

On targets to establish sector-wide action strategies and report on changes.

Taking action

The Diverse Sustainability Initiative is well-positioned to educate, connect and encourage a more inclusive profession for all.

We educate existing professionals on how to promote diversity and inclusion, not only to encourage more diversity of all aspects in the profession, but support the individuals from underrepresented communities who are already in the profession. We educate our partners by sharing learnings from one another, providing external consultants to offer solutions to best practice as well as offering face-to-face events to further enhance engagement and commitment.

We connect current Professionals of Colour and LGBTQIA+ in the environment and sustainability sectors, building a strong, active network. We also provide a safe space where individuals can voice barriers or concerns, enabling us to drive meaningful action.

Ultimately, we aim to interrogate our systems, set transparent targets and hold our partners accountable, to ensure that they are taking action. Our partners are committed to providing an annual update on their commitments in order to remain a partner on our website.

Become a partner of the Diverse Sustainability Initiative and make your public commitment to improving diversity.

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