'We know we have much more to do.' RSPB laments failure to recruit more people of colour to workforce

                                                        

Report highlights society's slow progress in recruiting people of colour 

DISAPPOINTING progress is being made by the RSPB in its efforts to attract more people of  colour to its workforce.

Its ethnic minority representation is only 3.7 per cent - up from 2.8 per cent last year but still very low compared with 16 per cent across the  UK workforce.

According to insiders, it now employs more staff - 10 - on equity, diversity and inclusivity initiatives than it does on ecology surveys.

This is expensive in payroll costs, but apparently to modest effect.

A section in the latest annual report states: "People and communities of colour  are often most affected by environmental  degradation and yet remain under-represented  in conservation efforts.

"We have been taking steps to increase  the representation of people of colour  at the RSPB, but there is still a long way to go.

 "At the RSPB, we believe that nature’s recovery demands everyone’s voices, perspectives and  skills." 

The society has its own  staff network for people of colour, Beyond Differences, which doubled in membership last year.

But the report continues: "Challenges remain. 

"There are still significantly more people of colour in temporary roles, and they are also under-represented in leadership. 

"This is not just a recruitment issue - it reflects deeper disparities in development and career progression across the sector. 

"Addressing this requires significant changes, and we are committed to tackling these barriers head-on.

"We know we have much more to do."