We recognise that our organisation benefits from the different perspectives of our staff. To help us nurture a more inclusive science community, we have asked people working across the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) to tell us about themselves.
Diversity data in 2026
In 2026, 74 colleagues took part in the NCAS staff survey. Survey respondents reflected a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.
Around one in seven respondents identified as being from a minority ethnic group and one in seven identified as LGBTQ+. More than one in five respondents identified as neurodivergent, while almost a third reported that they had been born outside the country in which they currently live and work. One third reported current or previous experience of mental health issues.
- Women: 41%
- Minority ethnic group: 14%
- LGBTQ+: 14%
- Neurodivergent: 22%
- Mental health condition: 33%
- Physical disability: 7%
- Born outside current country of residence: 30%
- Lower socioeconomic background: 24%
What does this tell us?
The findings highlight the breadth of backgrounds and experiences represented across NCAS and reinforce the importance of continuing to remove barriers to inclusion.
The data will inform ongoing actions within the NCAS EDI Living Action Plan and help us prioritise activity where it can have the greatest impact.
We need to highlight and reassure our staff of the importance of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey. The more NCAS colleagues who complete this survey, the better our data collection will be as an organisation, and therefore, we will be able to provide better support and improvements for all our staff.
Our diversity data will continue to inform our ongoing actions from the NCAS Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Living Action Plan, and support us in the development of the next EDI staff survey in 2026.
Have a question, suggestion, or concern? Please contact Lisa Banton, our Head of People, EDI & Workforce Development.
Diversity data in 2024
In 2024, 100 colleagues took part in the NCAS staff survey. Survey respondents represented a broad range of backgrounds, identities and experiences.
Around one in seven identified as being from a minority ethnic group and one in seven identified as LGBTQ+. More than a quarter were born outside the country in which they currently live and work, while almost a third reported current or previous experience of mental health issues.
- Women 40%
- Minority ethnic group 14%
- LGBTQ+ 4%
- Neurodivergent 12%
- Physical disability 7%
- Mental health condition 32%
- Religion or belief important to them 19%
- Lower socioeconomic background 19%
- Born outside current country of residence 26%
- Staff with caring responsibilities 54%
What does this tell us?
The 2024 findings reinforced the importance of understanding and valuing the diversity of experiences within NCAS.
The data informed actions to improve inclusion, support career development and progression, and strengthen our approach to recruitment, promotion and staff development. The survey also highlighted the importance of encouraging colleagues to participate in future surveys so that we can continue to build a more complete picture of our workforce.