Inclusive Traineeship toolkit

Over the last decade, we have been exploring how nature conservation organisations can be more inclusive. This reflects our commitment to supporting people to act for wildlife and wild places, by ensuring our workforce better reflects society.

We have helped lead a ten year programme that has enabled 117 people to successfully complete entry-level training placements in nature conservation and people engagement skills. Of these, almost 90% gained employment in the sector within a year of completing their placements.

The most recent project was Wild Paths. Over three years, Avon, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Wildlife Trusts offered candidates from diverse backgrounds a ten-month long training placement.

As part of our project evaluation process, we looked back over the ten years and mapped out our journey of learning, highlighted good practice and brought together stories of amazing past trainees. The result is this suite of templates, tips and tools.  We hope that it these will be useful to anyone else wishing to ensure the nature conservation sector is reaching a rich and diverse talent pool.

The below video beautifully demonstrates the importance of the Wild Paths project to those who have taken part and been able to transform their lives for the better.