Inclusion & diversity

Chemists and chemical scientists represent a vast array of people from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences.

We recognise the importance of valuing all members of our community; we believe that for chemistry and the chemical sciences to prosper, it must attract, develop and retain a diverse community of talented people.

As an employer, professional and membership body, and within our role to shape the chemical sciences for the benefit of the wider community, we believe we have a responsibility to promote inclusivity and accessibility in order to improve diversity.

We define diversity broadly, including: 

• age
• disability
• sex / gender & gender reassignment
• sexual orientation
• marriage or civil partnership
• pregnancy & maternity, paternity, parental leave
• race (ethnic or national origins, colour or nationality)
• religion or belief (including absence of belief)
• background.

Our definition also includes career path and stage, communication style, education, experience, first language, geography, job sector and socioeconomic status.

Our approach to improving diversity

We set targets rather than quotas across our activities and we reach such targets through positive action rather than positive discrimination.

We support our decision making through using robust evidence and data to better understand challenges affecting diversity.

Our diversity goals

To increase diversity and inclusion across the chemical sciences, we have established the following goals.

• Diversity, inclusion and accessibility will be embedded across all our activities.
• Diversity responsibilities are recognised at the highest levels and driven by our Council and Boards, as well as senior management.
• Our Inclusion and Diversity Committee will drive and monitor progress in our diversity policies, procedures and activities.
• The working environment at the Royal Society of Chemistry is perceived by staff as one where individual differences are valued.
• Our staff are informed of their individual responsibilities to support diversity and inclusion and, where appropriate, have relevant objectives to support this.
• Our members and the wider community feel that our activities are accessible across all demographics, are aware of the diversity implications in their activities, and are supported with information and tools to make improvements.
• We initiate and take part in distinct activities and projects dedicated to driving improvements in the diversity and inclusivity of the chemical science community.
• We measure the impact and progress of improving diversity and accessibility across all areas.  

Activities that support diversity