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Why embracing inclusion is more important than ever

It’s National Inclusion Week and the theme is “Now is the Time”. The Wildlife Trusts’ Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Miriam Bentley-Rose talks about what this means to her, and why nature’s recovery needs everyone

I have been working for The Wildlife Trusts for almost four years as Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). I’ve worked for over 30 years in the inclusion space in some form or other, from individual support and advice for people from minority groups, up to national support for large organisations.  

It’s safe to say I love my work and it’s the reason I get out of bed every morning. Being able to make a difference to someone, to make their life easier by providing support and removing barriers, is something I love.  

Miriam is in a woodland, her head and shoulders and visible and she is smiling at the camera

Creating a workplace where staff feel safe to bring their best self to work, which in turn increases creativity and productivity - leading to a more resilient organisation - is a passion of mine.  

I have also had my fair share of struggles and setbacks though, which has probably made me even more determined to maintain my focus on EDI.  

Becoming a wheelchair user in 2014 was probably the biggest ‘hiccup’ in my life to date. But being a female disabled leader has definitely increased my determination. I work in a wonderful place with a wonderful team and have had the space to continually increase my skills and knowledge. That’s essential when you work in an ever-evolving occupation. EDI does not stay still and is never ‘finished’ with new priorities constantly coming up.  

It’s not a place where you can sit back and watch. It’s an incredibly active and reactive occupation - which may be one of the reasons I love it. Now is the time for me! 

A difficult road ahead 

For the first time in my career, I have felt targeted - a sense of panic and fear is spreading across networks of EDI professionals. An American president has decided that EDI (or DEI as they say in America) is irrelevant, unnecessary and actually harming the country. Us… me… what have we possibly done that could upset anyone?  

Our work is about helping and supporting people, creating safe and accessible spaces - how could that offend anyone?  

But it didn’t stop there. It came across to the UK, with some politicians stating that if you work in EDI in local government, you now need to find a new job. 

Combine that with the increase in hate, racism and transphobia that is seeping through the country, and it leaves me cold. But it also leaves me even more determined than ever to champion EDI.  

The Wildlife Trusts Chief Executive Craig Bennett has said on more than one occasion recently that we are doubling down on our EDI work. We understand that it is more important now than ever in this current hostile climate.  Now is the time for EDI! 
 

Now is the time for the environment 

It is no secret that we are facing a nature crisis. It feels like nature is under attack from all sides. The Wildlife Trusts (made up of 46 local Trusts and a central charity) are working unbelievably hard to protect and conserve nature spaces and champion and campaign for nature’s recovery.  

A huge part of that - possibly the most important part in my eyes - is people. We simply cannot create the change we need to bring about nature’s recovery without everyone playing their part. That includes those from minority groups such as young and older people, those with disabilities, those from minoritised ethnic groups, people of all religions, genders and identities.  

The importance of being an inclusive organisation, both internally and externally has never been more clear. Now is the time to get vocal, to be a campaigner, to put pressure on those contributing to nature’s decline! 

#NowIsTheTime for us. 

 

National Inclusion Week is dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to build inclusive workplaces. “Now is the Time” has been chosen as the theme due to the urgency and importance of inclusion, influenced by the recent backlash against inclusion and diversity.  

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