Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I sign up as a partner?
- By joining the initiative, you publicly showcase your dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Gain access to a range of free or partially funded events, both virtual and in-person.
- Connect with like-minded partners within our extensive network.
- Stay informed and empowered with regular updates and valuable resources through our newsletter.
- Stay informed of industry barriers and advancements through insights shared within our networks.
- Tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience by learning from the practices, both successful and unsuccessful, of other partners within theprofession.
- Membership comes at no cost, making it accessible to all.
- Feel supported every step of the way with direct access to our dedicated DSI Officer for assistance or networking opportunities with fellow partners.
Who started the initiative?
IEMA (the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) created the initiative in March 2021.
Is there a cost to becoming a partner?
No, committing to diversity comes at no cost. While there are opportunities to deepen involvement through contributing funding, resources, or sharing best/bad practices with fellow partners on specific projects, participation in the DSI is not contingent on financial support. Our ethos revolves around education and collaboration, ensuring inclusivity for all organisations regardless of financial capacity. We harness existing resources within our networks to maximise impact and promote shared learning.
What do I need to include in my commitment?
Your commitment is specific to you and your business, please read our commitment guide before signing up. Don’t forget that we will be asking for annual updates on your commitment! Please contact, info@diversesustainability.net if you need any support.
Once I’ve made the commitment, what are the next steps?
After receiving your commitment, our DSI officer, Caris, will schedule an introductory call to discuss your commitments, provide updates on upcoming events, assess available support options, and address any inquiries you may have. Once finalised, your commitment will be documented on our website, formalising your status as an official DSI partner. Subsequently, you'll be added to our communication list to receive future updates and announcements.
What are the statistics saying?
In 2017, a Policy Exchange survey identified the environment and sustainability sector as the second least diverse out of 202 professions in the UK. This is a statistic that is often quoted, but is now being addressed.
3.1% of environment professionals identify as minorities compared to 19.9% in all occupations*.
Given a rapidly changing, more urban and more mixed-race population, it is imperative that the environment sector changes and adapts. If it does not, there is a danger that it will become irrelevant, and unworthy of financial or political support, by the communities with which it seeks to work in partnership on a transition to sustainability and zero-carbon.
* Race, inclusivity and environmental sustainability report conducted by NUS, IEMA and The Equality Trust.
I don’t own or run an organisation but would still like to help. How can I get involved?
You are a champion!
You have the power to bring attention to the issue by engaging decision-makers, whether they're in HR, your Executive team, or beyond. Even better, you can actively carve out space within your organisation for diversity to flourish. You can advocate for your organisation to publicly commit by joining as a DSI partner.
Could I offer my support as an individual?
Of course. Please contact info@diversesustainability.net and we can arrange a phone call to see how you could get involved. We appreciate your support!
What can I do to improve diversity and inclusion in my team?
Enhancing diversity and inclusion within your team offers numerous avenues for improvement! It's crucial to establish an inclusive environment as a foundational step before actively seeking to enhance diversity. Providing team-wide training, implementing mentoring programs, creating an action plan/ EDI policy, fostering support for international days, and hosting regular team meetings can all contribute to embedding diversity and inclusion into the fabric of your team. When devising action plans, prioritise the needs and perspectives of underrepresented individuals, demonstrating allyship by taking proactive steps to support them rather than placing the burden on them to drive change. Take a look at the free resources on our website for additional support.
What other organisations are involved?
See our list of Partners here.
Can't find the answer you're looking for?
Contact us for further support and information