Our journey so far
Achieving Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at ClientEarth is fundamental to our vision for a future where all people and nature thrive together.
In 2023, we launched our EDI strategy. This strategy outlines our EDI vision, strategic outcomes and the initiatives and activities that will mainstream EDI into our day-to-day work, including our existing systems and processes.
Here are some of the things we have done to drive forward EDI at ClientEarth:
- Established a regular EDI strategy implementation group reporting to our Board
- Implemented visa sponsorship, relocation and working from abroad policies
- Introduced mental health first aider training and wellbeing representatives in each ClientEarth office
- Appointed four new trustees to join our new Chair of Trustees for the Global Board, all of whom bring significant experience and diverse perspectives to drive forward the organisation’s impact
- Launched several new networks: an LGBTQIA+ networking group open to our peers in the eNGO sector, Global Majority and Neurodiversity staff groups, and a staff group called the Precedent Setters for staff aged 45 and over
- Devised a means of analysing EDI integration in our programmatic work in order to be able to ask the right questions of ourselves and our strategies moving forward
- Ensured EDI commitments are key to our departmental annual plans
- Celebrated the diversity we have in the workforce already by organising themed lunches, talks and events
- Benchmarked ourselves on Flexa, the global directory of verified flexible companies, due to the strong link between an employer’s flexible working provisions and improved staff diversity. We currently have a FlexScore of 79% and a transparency rating of 9.4/10. Both scores are determined by a robust verification process, including anonymous input from staff
- Revised our general and leadership and management training to strengthen EDI
- Established a new Board People and Culture Committee to hold ClientEarth to account as it drives forward and integrates its EDI activity.
This is just part of our journey – we have more to do. Following the completion of an organisation wide voluntary Diversity Survey in Spring 2025, we now focus on addressing our findings and continuing to build on the foundations of our work so far.
Our commitment
ClientEarth is an inclusive, values-driven organisation dedicated to systemic change that safeguards the Earth and protects the human rights of all people. That means we actively work to eliminate bias and discrimination, using the power of the law.
We believe in a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in order to help achieve our mission and vision for a healthier planet. We foster inclusion, respect, and kindness, and value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and locations.
Our Board and leadership are actively committed to embodying ClientEarth's values, and we strive to maximise our impact and safeguard the environment for all current and future generations.
Our Values
We are courageous
Acting to protect our planet and all its inhabitants takes courage. We face opposition and adversity, often from the highest levels of power. We are courageous in our pursuit for progress and justice, and we value the courage of our partners in speaking out on the issues that matter most. No matter the challenges ahead, whether we win or lose in the short-term, we always persevere. We may change course or seek out help, but we do not give up.
We act with integrity
We act with integrity in everything that we do. We are honest and upfront. We base decisions on evidence rather than assumption and adhere to ethical principles. We are humble when we are not experts in an area and we seek to elevate the work of others. Acting with integrity builds trust – and trust is crucial for building and maintaining the reputation we have earned.
We embrace collaboration
We are stronger when we work together. Our colleagues and partners are based in many parts of the world, are from diverse backgrounds, and bring a multitude of skills, experiences and ideas. Building teams, seeking out diversity, and collaborating effectively is key if we are to deliver the progress we need for people and planet. Acting within a much wider ecosystem, we always strive to be team players by elevating and amplifying the work of others, recognising that when one of us wins, we all win.
We care for people and planet
We show up to work every day because we believe in the fundamental importance of caring for our planet. But to do so, we also must extend this care, respect and kindness to each other and to ourselves. The importance we place on caring for people and planet will always transcend differences in background, beliefs, or disagreements in approach.
