Delta-Simons are pleased to announce the launch of the IES report – Experiences of ethnic minority environmental professionals

Delta-Simons, part of the Lucion Group is pleased to announce the launch of the IES report - ’A challenging environment:  Experiences of ethnic minority environmental professionals. Delta-Simons alongside Bureau Veritas and the Environment Agency are joint funders of the project and proud to be involved in such revolutionary and ground-breaking research.

What will the IES report entail?

The report will entail the findings of the recent IES research project and present the challenges and opportunities related to the ethic diversity in the environment sector. Drawing on the perspectives of professionals from ethnic minorities, those working in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) job roles and heads of organisations, the research aims to understand the barriers to a representative workforce and provides recommendations for individual, employers and, more broadly, the sector to promote and enhance inclusion of ethnic minorities.

Delta-Simons reasons for supporting the initiative.

Delta-Simons is proud to be an official partner with the Institute of Environmental Sciences  (IES) to support their commitment to lead system change within the Environment Sector to address the ethnic diversity gaps that exists within this sector. A report in 2017 stated that the environmental profession is the second least diverse sector in the UK (with just 3.1% of environmental professionals identifying as non-white ethnicities versus 19.9% in all other occupations), the IES have identified that there is a clear need for research, education, and reform to identify and address the key barriers which result in this low ethnic diversity and inspire those from BAME backgrounds to pursue a career in the Environment Sector.

Roger Griffiths,  Director commented “Delta-Simons is proud to support this initiative to increase diversity and inclusivity within the environmental industry sector. Whilst there is clearly a long way to go, this research report is a great starting point to build upon into the future in terms of making this sector a more attractive career path for everyone, particularly in conjunction with the opportunities and challenges we are all faced with in relation to climate change.”

What work is involved in the IES Project?

Delta-Simons, along with the Environment Agency and Bureau Veritas  are jointly sponsoring their first Diversity Initiative ‘Research into Barriers for BAME Professionals in Career Advancement’. This collaboration has involved calling upon cross sector organisations to take part in surveys to provide data on ethnic diversity within their employment, providing opportunities for volunteers to participate in interviews, and hosting round table discussions to explore these barriers to progression and potential solutions going froward.  This partnership aligns well with the Black Geographers initiative Delta-Simons are supporting as chosen careers partner delivering CV & Career workshops and offering two summer work placements for geography graduates from the BAME community.

Delta-Simons & Lucion Group future aims for tackling Diversity & Inclusion

Delta-Simons, part of the Lucion Group aims to champion Diversity & Inclusion by raising awareness and embedding change to help break down the barriers that are currently faced by those wishing to enter the Environment Sector and the wide range of global opportunities and challenges that exist, particularly around responding to climate change. Let us help make the Environment Sector accessible to all by understanding, inspiring, and enabling to make this to happen.

Delta-Simons will be hosting their third Careers Workshop for 2022 in association with Black Geographers on Thursday 24th March from 18:00-19:00 on the topic of Cover Letters to include a presentation and roundtable discussion on what Delta-Simons would look for in cover letters and general top tips. If you are interested in getting involved in this programme or require more information, please send an email to info@blackgeographers.com

The IES report launch event is taking place virtually on Wednesday March  2^nd at 12:30 PM, to register your interest please go to Webinar Registration - Zoom.  This event will feature an overview of the report, guest speakers involved in the project, and a chance for Questions and Answers.