Diversity and Inclusion Policy

In line with the Society’s values and principles the Council, in January 2020, adopted its initial Diversity and Inclusion Policy. This policy is considered by Council annually, and  has been updated most recently in January 2021, with progress being reported to both Council and the membership.

Commitment

The Royal Society of New South Wales (RSNSW, the Society) is an inclusive learned institution that encompasses a diverse group of people who individually and collectively are dedicated to ideas that matter. It draws together people whose knowledge and experience span a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and disciplines, creates a focus for sharing and applying expertise, and delivers an independent and authoritative voice.

The Society values liberal democracy, respects religious, political, and cultural freedoms, and promotes non-discriminatory, evidence-based discourse and the free exchange of ideas. The Society recognises that it will be a more effective public intellectual voice by comprehensively embracing diversity and inclusion in all of its activities.

The Society’s Council is responsible for leading diversity and inclusion policies and actions in the Society. In doing so, it:

• ensures that its internal governance and committee structures reflect the diversity and inclusive practices that it seeks to promote;
• recognises its significant role in increasing opportunities for women as they pursue careers in their chosen fields;
• embraces individual differences and contributions to our collective success and social engagement;
• develops, monitors, and reports on performance indicators relating to diversity and inclusion.

Current Policy

The current Diversity and Inclusion Policy (January 2021), approved by Council on 17 March 2021 is accessible online.