Ranked as the second least ethnically diverse sector in the UK in 2017, the Environmental sector, with just 3.1% of environment professionals identifying as any ethnicity other than White British, our company Delta-Simons is on a mission to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by ethnic minorities entering into the Environmental industry through partnership with the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). 

Founded in 1971, the IES is an international charitable organisation that promotes and raises public awareness of environmental science by supporting professional scientists and academics working in the industry. As a purpose-driven organisation, one of the IES’ key aims is to promote the environmental sciences and sustainable development in careers education and guidance.

Rated as one of the least ethnically diverse industries in the UK, the IES has identified that there is a clear need for research, education, and reform to identify and address the key barriers which result in low ethnic diversity and inspire those from Black, Asian, Minority and Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds to pursue a career in the Environmental Sector. 

Our company Delta-Simons has supported the IES since 2021 as a key partner aimed to embed real, sustainable change. Most recently, Delta-Simons have jointly funded the IES' latest report,  ’A challenging environment: Experiences of ethnic minority environmental professionals'  along with Bureau Veritas & the Environment Agency.

What Will The IES Report Cover?

The IES report will reveal the findings of the recent IES research project, presenting the challenges and opportunities related to ethnic diversity within the environmental industry. 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 individuals, employers and, more broadly, the sector to promote and enhance inclusion of ethnic minorities.

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 forward.  

The IES report launch event is taking place virtually on Wednesday 2nd March at 12:30 PM. Register your place for free by clicking the link: IES Report Launch Webinar Registration.  The report launch webinar will feature an overview of the report, guest speakers involved in the project, and a chance for questions and answers.

The Lucion Group future aims for tackling Diversity & Inclusion

Delta-Simons, part of the Lucion Group, is proud to be an official partner of the IES, supporting their commitment to leading systemic change within the Environment Sector, addressing the ethnic diversity gaps that exist within the industry. 

Delta-Simons’ Technical Director, Roger Griffiths,  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.”

The IES partnership aligns well Delta-Simons aims to champion diversity and inclusion. Through raising awareness and embedding change within the industry, Delta-Simons, and the wider Lucion Group, aim to break down the barriers that individuals from BAME communities face when entering into the environmental sector.

Lucion Group’s Chief Technical Officer, Ross Boulton, commented on the Delta-Simons IES partnership stating:

“Over 20 years, our focus has been the safe management of hazardous materials and environmental protection services. Since starting out in 2002, we have tasked ourselves to operate and provide services that best serve our clients, reducing risks to their organisations, communities and environment.

We are coming up to our first anniversary since the acquisition of Delta-Simons in April 2021. Since the onboarding of the Delta-Simons team into the Lucion Group, there has been a notable step change in the way we, as a group of environmental service companies, are looking at the environmental industry. Lucion has always operated with sustainability and responsibility at its heart, with influence from Delta-Simons, we will continue to act swiftly, decisively, and always with social impact at the heart of our decision making. We aim to build long-lasting, sustainable relationships throughout our client base, our team members and our wider communities.”

To ensure the Lucion Group progresses towards our ESG targets, our topline ESG goals for the collective group for 2022 are:

1. to establish year on year improvement of ESG in order to become a more sustainable business; and,
2. to make a positive impact (socially and environmentally) beyond our standard business activities

About the Lucion Group

The Lucion Group has more than 500 employees, the majority of whom are field-based technical specialists with skillsets in 50+ environmental consultancy services, including hazardous materials, ecology, air and water services, geo-environmental and sustainability among others.

The Group comprises of;

• Lucion Services, the UK’s market-leading environmental services group. Industry accredited and certified experts in hazardous materials testing, inspection and management
• Delta-Simons, an established multi-disciplinary environmental and health and safety consultancy providing trusted advice and solutions for sustainable development
• Aberdeen Radiation Protection Services, specialist providers of comprehensive and cost-effective radiation protection services to a wide range of internationally operating industrial and non-industrial companies

As the market leaders in providing accredited and certified scientific hazardous materials testing, inspection and environmental management solutions, we deliver our trusted services to corporate clients who require regulatory compliance to their buildings and/or assets. We serve over 1,500 clients across 20 sectors including Utilities, Real Estate, Nuclear, Technology, Marine, Government, Education, Planning and Development.

Want to partner with a purpose-driven holistic environmental services supplier? Click 'Make an Enquiry' now or give our team a call on 0345 5040 303.