Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are dedicated to fostering a fair and open working environment, free from discrimination, that values all colleagues as individuals and respects their differences, ensuring that everyone feels supported and encouraged at all times in an inclusive environment.

At NCEO, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment, advocating for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), promoting exemplary working practices, and nurturing the next generation of scientists.

As a distributed organisation, NCEO has staff located across renowned universities and world-class facilities. We aim to adhere to host institution policies, adding our own organisational values where possible.

Our distribution allows us to collaborate with educational institutions throughout the UK. With scientists spanning across disciplines, we actively encourage and support cross-disciplinary collaboration to foster personal and professional growth among our staff while maintaining a strong sense of identity within NCEO.

Approach

Our EDI approach is grounded on the principles of respect, fairness, and equality, ensuring that every member of our organisation is treated with dignity and has equal access to opportunities.

Themes

Over the last three years, we have conducted a series of exercises and formulated a report on best practice and recommendations for EDI activity.

These efforts have resulted in the identification of the following themes of action:

promoting and embedding an inclusive culture
leadership to demonstrate commitment to EDI
career development
outreach

These commitments are embedded into our ongoing EDI Living Action Plan.

Policies and practices

NCEO also has a number of related policies and practices in place that support the wider embedding of good practice related to EDI. These include:

policies – recruitment, gender equality, disabled staff, maternity/paternity/adoption
practices – flexible working arrangements, inclusive building
website accessibility

Next steps

As a scientific organisation, NCEO recognises the challenge of developing and maintaining a pipeline of STEM talent from pre-school to PhD level and beyond, barriers in academia and the importance of creating an organisational culture where each staff member feels valued and respected. We are therefore working with EDI consultants and NCEO Training Team to develop customised training for our staff and leadership team. We are also planning new and ongoing initiatives to have components of EDI within our training courses. Our ongoing initiatives include:

Consciously Inclusive Leadership Training

We conduct customised training for our leadership team and staff. To find out more, see the links below: to be added later

EDI working group

We have an ongoing EDI working group to shape our EDI priorities and drive our EDI action plan. To find out more, see the links below: to be added later

Contact EDI

Please contact Ankita Pant, NCEO EDI Officer, for further information.