Diversity and inclusion

LAST UPDATED: August 2022

The Society is committed to promoting Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) at the RHS; across all our work in Shows, Gardens, Communities, Science, Education, Art, in our magazines, books, online and other media; and in the wider horticultural industry.

We believe that gardens and gardening, in all its forms, should be accessible and enjoyed by everyone and that all individuals, whether working within the RHS or enjoying our membership, services or products, should be treated with dignity and respect and be part of an environment that is free from barriers or discrimination, regardless of age, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion, philosophical belief or lack of belief, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, disability, pregnancy and maternity.

Increasing diversity in horticulture

While we are under no illusions and realise there is much more for the RHS and the industry to do, we are committed to playing our part in increasing diversity in horticulture.

This will need a collective and collaborative approach; we need to work with people from all backgrounds, all ethnicities, all ages, and the wider horticulture industry to ask questions, reach out and most importantly, to listen.  We want to take time to work sensitively and genuinely. This is our long-term commitment, and we hope many people from all backgrounds will come forward to work with us as we will listen and take action together.

Our vision remains to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place for everyone, no matter the colour of their skin, their ethnicity or their culture.

Creating a more diverse RHS

We are committed to developing a fully diverse and inclusive organisation, which attracts and retains talented employees and volunteers from all sectors of society and is therefore representative of not only the people that we currently engage with, but those with whom we seek to engage in the future.

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.