GRO Vice Chair, Chris Bridgman recently attended RHS Wisley for an industry-wide Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) event.
In 2022, Chris signed the ED&I Charter on behalf of GRO, the Green Roof Organisation with a commitment to breaking down barriers in the industry, increasing access and progression for all, and to work openly and respectfully with other chartered members. This includes:
- Commiting to create an inclusive culture and measure how we engage and improve representation.
- Supporting the development of the industry from an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion perspective – regardless of area of specialism, through the sharing of work and good practice.
- Recognising and monitoring Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion across the industry, using a set format to benchmark performance.
- Providing access to resources for educating and upskilling colleagues and members on diversity and inclusion.
- Promoting the industry as a fully inclusive and accessible environment with opportunities for lifelong rewarding careers.
Chris says: We have the ability to be wholly diverse and inclusive as we encourage new entrants to this growing industry. We must not be intimidated by ED&I and with the toolkits and support that will come from this movement, it will ultimately strengthen the workforce as a whole, create resilience and benefit employees, employers and the wider industry.
An important step is to gain a baseline understanding of how diverse and inclusive the current Horticulture and Landscape Industry is. A short survey has been produced to be shared and completed by anybody working in the sector. The information provided in the survey will be anonymised and the results shared across the industry:
Complete The ED&I Survey
Please click on this link to complete the survey and share with your contacts:
Signatories include: The Arboricultural Association, Association of Professional Landscapers, British Association of Landscape Industries, Chartered Institute of Horticulture, Garden Media Guild, GRO, Horticultural Trades Association, Landscape Institute, Royal Horticultural Society, Society of Garden Designers and Young People in Horticulture Association.
