In November 2022 industry associations BALI, APL, the LI, the SGD, and the YPHA signed an ethnicity, diversity and inclusion charter as a public declaration of their commitment to make changes. Supported by more associations and organisations, including the HTA, The Chartered Institute of Horticulture, the RHS, the Arboricultural Association, and HortWeek itself, the Access All Areas Charter Group was formed to drive change.
Over the past year, the Access All Areas Charter Group has made significant strides in strengthening its approach to diversity & inclusion (D&I).
The formalisation of the group has been a key milestone, particularly with the appointment of Jennifer Pheasey and Adrian Wickham as co-chairs, Helen Sessions as vice chair, and Jackie Costello as secretary. This leadership structure has improved organisation, accountability, and efficiency.
It has successfully developed a clear D&I project document, which provides:
- A structured framework for group members
- Defined objectives for the Charter Group
- Comprehensive terms of reference
A core focus has been enhancing collaboration and communication within the group. Notable highlights include a webinar on demystifying EDI which was conducted in two sessions last year, aimed at raising awareness and understanding of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
A major milestone for the upcoming year is the promotion and rollout of the Allyship Program.
Key aspects of this include:
- Train-the-trainer model where volunteers are being equipped to serve as D&I ambassadors within their organisations.
- Support from Diversity Marketplace, with Gamiel Yafai providing invaluable guidance in shaping and delivering this initiative.
- The programme will be actively rolled out over the next 12–18 months to expand awareness, education, and engagement across the industry.
- Offer a toolkit for business to align with EDI
While the group has established a strong foundation, challenges remain, particularly around funding for a dedicated website to serve as an information hub and resources to signpost individuals and businesses to relevant support.
The group is also working on strategic solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of our initiatives.
Additionally, looking ahead to 2026, Access All Areas will conduct another industry-wide survey to assess progress, gather insights, and refine its approach.
Co-chair of Access all Areas Adrian Wickham said, “With the horticulture and landscaping industry projected to contribute £50 billion nationally, and London alone seeing similar growth in its green economy, the need for a diverse and inclusive workforce has never been greater. External factors, such as political shifts in the U.S. highlight the importance of maintaining a strong commitment to EDI.
“Key trade magazines, such as the Horticultural Trade Association Magazine, Hortweek and Eljays, have been instrumental in helping us promote membership, the Charter, and our initiatives.
“The past 12 months have been pivotal in solidifying our structure, increasing engagement, and launching key initiatives. With clear objectives, growing industry support, and an ambitious roadmap ahead, we are excited about the future of Access All Areas and our impact on shaping a more diverse and inclusive industry.”
Jennifer Pheasey, co-chair of Access All Areas and director of public affairs at the HTA, said: “The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) fully endorse the Access All Areas EDI charter group and its associated initiatives – including recent webinars, work programme development and allyship workshops. By supporting our members and the broader sector, we aim to address diversity gaps and foster an industry that is accessible, inclusive, and promotes allyship across the board.
“Environmental horticulture offers exciting and rewarding roles, diverse career paths, and an array of opportunities aligned with the Access All Areas EDI charter.
“Recent data from the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG) revealed that the horticulture sector contributed £38 billion to the UK economy and supported over 722,000 jobs in 2023, with a 45% growth opportunity with adequate government support.
“We are excited about rolling out allyship sessions, and building a stronger and broader Access All Areas programme to the sector over the coming year.”
Helen Sessions, vice chair of Access all Areas and The Chartered Institute of Horticulture membership and external relations manager, said: “Access All Areas has helped start important conversations around equality, diversity, and inclusion in the horticultural and landscaping industry. It has brought organisations together to share ideas, commit to positive change, and take meaningful steps towards greater inclusivity. The EDI Charter is a great example of this collaboration in action, and it’s encouraging to see the industry working collectively to break down barriers and create more opportunities for all.”
