Around one in 20 people employed in the environment charities sector identified as an ethnic minority last year, compared with one in eight in the wider UK workforce.

The second instalment of the RACE (racial action on the climate emergency) Report- which collected data from April to October last year- shows 6% of employees identified as people of colour and other racially or ethnically minoritised groups.

Last year’s report saw a 56% increase in organisation participation and a 63% increase in the number of employees represented.

In spite of the findings, 11% of organisations surveyed had published or were in the process of publishing their race equity pay gap data.

While 63% reported the employment of a senior leader with official responsibility for equality, diversity and inclusion.

Qualitative responses from POC who took part in the survey made references to instances of being overlooked, while others felt valued by their team but not through remuneration or career progression.

Manu Mauganidze from The RACE Report team says:

“The more data we have at our disposal, the better equipped we are to shape best practice and ensure we are amplifying underrepresented voices in the fight for social and environmental justice.

“We now need to make sure that this engagement translates into more meaningful progress. That means reflecting on what the data tells us, but also really listening to the lived experiences of the individuals who power our sector.”

The RACE Report is looking to increase the number of environmental organisations participating in the study.

To see the full results or to take part, visit here.