Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are an equal opportunities employer that aims to embrace diversity in all its forms and provide staff with a sense of belonging no matter their characteristics, culture, experience, education or economic background.  We employ colleagues from across the globe, each contributing to our ethos of excellence.  By fostering an inclusive organisation where people are able to be their true selves we enable the very best science and engineering to take place.

WHAT’S ON FOR EDI AT BAS?

The BAS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network, together with the Diversity in Polar Science Initiative project group are putting together activities to support and accelerate inclusion work at BAS and in the UK Polar Community. See what’s going on below!

Race Impact Survey for the UK Polar Community—call for participation

The Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative have launched a Race Impact Survey for the UK Polar Community. This survey is for people who are currently working or have worked within the UK Polar Community. We are asking these questions to gather key insights to racism and lack of inclusivity and to move the response to racism forward in the UK Polar community. We are asking for people in the community to share their experience and thoughts, so we can collate best practice responses and consider the next stage of development of the DiPSI programme. We will collate the results and publish them on the Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative webpage, along with next steps.
The survey is live until the 19th of October (23:59 BMT). Submit your contribution here.

October is Black History Month

This national celebration aims to promote and celebrate Black contributions to society. We want to highlight contributions of Black people within the Polar community. Head over and read about former BAS scientist Sharon Grants’ experience within the Polar Community, and especially her reflections on “Why me, why now?” in this guest blog.

International Stammering awareness day, October 22nd

To highlight International Stammering awareness day, BAS scientist and Ocean modeller Kaitlin Naughten discusses what we can do as individuals and as institutions to support our colleagues who stammer.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Dr Melissa Burt talks to UK Polar Horizons, October 27th

Next up, in celebration of Black History Month, is Dr Melissa Burt. Melissa is a successful woman in STEM, BAME researcher and diversity champion. She will share her journey in Atmospheric science and Diversity in our upcoming Diversity in Polar Science webinar Tuesday, 27th October at 16:00. For more details and the webinar link visit the event page.

Polar Pride day, November 18th

BAS is joining the Pride in Polar Research network in celebration of the Polar Pride day on the 18th of November. Join in and stay up to date on the celebrations through the event on facebook. We would love to see pictures and stories shared on the day using #PolarPride!