Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and creating a workplace culture in which diversity and inclusion is valued and everyone is treated with dignity and respect. 

As part of our zero-tolerance approach to discrimination in any form, any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics). 

We are also committed to providing equitable treatment to all those we deal with as an organisation, including our members and the communities we work with.

We will take all reasonable steps to:

• promote awareness and provide training to trustees, staff and managers on all aspects of equality and diversity in the workplace;
• apply the principles of equity to volunteers, staff and job applicants so that there is equality of opportunity. Our aim is that no individual is denied volunteering or employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability;
• establish programmes and processes that ensure a diversity of candidates at all career stages beginning with recruitment, including the development and promotion of talent through to the appointment of senior leadership;
• implement all internal policies and procedures (on a fair and impartial basis);
• create an inclusive working environment that is sensitive to the needs of staff of differing cultures, religions and beliefs. For example, in connection with festivals, religious observance and dress;
• make reasonable adjustments to enable employees with disabilities to function effectively and to their full potential;
• ensure that work environments are free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying;
• monitor how this policy is working in practice.

The Wildlife Trusts Wild About Inclusion framework 2022-2027

We have adopted a framework called Wild About Inclusion which focuses on inspiring, empowering, and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities, and abilities to play their part in nature recovery and climate action.

The benefits of the Wild About Inclusion approach are:

More people will have access to, and will benefit from wildlife and the natural environment and people from all parts of society will be supporting natures recovery.

Our staff will be happier, healthier and more productive. An inclusive working environment creates a workplace where everyone has equal opportunity to develop, progress, be rewarded and recognised at work. We’ll also better attract and retain diverse talent.

Our organisational performance will be stronger. Diverse and inclusive organisations have higher innovation and employee satisfaction, increased creativity, and improved leadership and decision making.

Our volunteers and supporter base will increase and diversify. By being more inclusive and relevant to diverse communities, we will attract and engage a wider range of people in our work, whilst improving our reputation as an inclusive and accessible movement.

Staff networks

Staff networks are groups of employees from across The Wildlife Trusts federation that come together regularly to share experiences and support each other. This includes: 

• Out for Nature for LGBTQ+ staff
• Nature for All for staff with disabilities
• Nature in Mind for staff with mental health concerns
• Next Gen Nature for young people
• Colours of Nature for people of colour
• Women in Nature

These networks were created after asking staff across The Wildlife Trusts federation what kind of network groups they would like to have. The networks exist as a place for people with similar characteristics to network, share their experiences, and support each other.

Jobs and careers

We want our people to be as diverse as nature, so we particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

View our current vacancies