The Diversity and Inclusion Working Party of the LTOA was formed in response to the Chair, Barbara Milne’s, call for an investigation into potential barriers to accessing the Arboricultural profession, particularly for women.
During the initial meetings they expanded this aim, to work towards improving accessibility in general, including encouraging people from different social and educational backgrounds, encouraging people from different cultural backgrounds, people with external demands on their time, to name a few.
Part of the issues surrounding accessibility is how Tree Officers promote their work and roles. Often this is through job advertisements and recruitment.
The initial findings found inaccurate information on public websites about the role of a Tree Officer. As a result, they have created a new, up-to-date job profile that they hope will improve people’s knowledge of the job requirements and subsequently encourage more diverse applicants.
