RMetS Members Advocate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Earlier this year, several hundred Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) members gave their views in the Society’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity survey.

The survey was conducted as part of the RMetS' ongoing commitment to create a more inclusive environment, where every individual has an opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Members embraced the opportunity to share their observations and insights, and respondents spoke strongly of the need for the Society to present an inclusive environment. Issues around gender equality and ethnic diversity took a prominent place in the feedback. The survey also shed light on the range of barriers that members face in their day to day lives alongside the importance of embracing individuals from different geographic regions and those facing various financial constraints.

Suggestions for future actions included:

Collaboration for diversity: Members emphasised the need for collaboration with other organisations to foster greater diversity in meteorology and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. A collaborative approach would create a welcoming space for individuals from underrepresented groups to engage with the Society.

Diverse perspectives: Respondents expressed the importance of having speakers at RMetS events who offer a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives. Incorporating a variety of voices would enhance the richness and depth of meteorological discourse. Early career members from different backgrounds said this would also enhance their feeling of belonging in the Society.

Online meeting options: With the changing landscape of work and communication, members highlighted the continuing need for online meetings, in addition to in-person events. This flexibility would enable more individuals, regardless of their location or circumstances, to participate in RMetS activities and events.

The Royal Meteorological Society thanks its members who took part in this survey. By providing insight into how different groups are represented within the membership base, members have played a key role in establishing where more can be done to ensure people feel welcome.

EDI is a central theme to the RMetS strategy, as the Society works to encourage the meteorological community to be both diverse and inclusive. The results of the survey are being used to inform the Society’s next steps and actions, to create and implement a detailed action plan.

Click here to find out more about the EDI survey and the actions RMetS is taking