British Antarctic Survey (BAS) fosters a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
A diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for tackling global challenges, and ensures our operations are safe and successful. We aim, not only to improve our own culture, but also to lead by example within the broader polar science community.
Women represent over one-third of our people, including in leadership roles. But we know we don’t yet fully reflect the diversity of UK society.
A race impact survey showed that only 3% of staff in UK polar science come from an ethnic background and 1.8% have a disability, compared with 16% and 19% respectively in UK society.
An estates engineer, during a Research Station condition survey in Antarctica
Framework
To address this, BAS has an EDI framework as part of its strategy, supported by a three-year action plan:
- BAS works with national and international partners, including the Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative (DiPSI), a collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to increase the representation of under-represented groups.
- Our EDI network promotes best practices, raises awareness, and acts as a voice for minority communities
- Our EDI champions represent diverse roles across BAS working to embed EDI issues internally and externally.
- Our Safety Together initiative, launched in 2023, extends safety beyond physical well-being to include mental and social health. This campaign encourages a respectful work environment, zero-tolerance for bullying, harassment, and discriminatory behaviour, and provides resources for mental health support.
- BAS, as a member of the Disability Confident scheme, guarantee an interview to the disabled candidates who best meet the essential job requirements.
- We participate in programmes such as 10k Black Interns scheme
- Training on topics like inclusive recruitment and neurodiversity to enhance skills and create a positive culture is part of the BAS internal culture and training scheme.
- BAS continue to promote opportunities to those studying through the Work Experience scheme (Work experience opportunities – British Antarctic Survey). Our joint WEW initiative with BSG report from 2025 shows the impact of work experience opportunities.
- BAS has been a member of the Athena Swan Charter since 2014, holding a silver award for gender equality based on a rigorous application and action plan.
- We are part of Onvero (formerly Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion).
The commitment to EDI is evident at BAS in the tangible outcomes of initiatives, such as a demographic survey, the Polar Horizons engagement programme, and an anonymous reporting tool for behavioural incidents.