Eco Chamber
Eco Chamber
Environmental Data Services (ENDS)
Access Denied: Does the environment sector have a problem with class?
40 minutes Posted Dec 17, 2025 at 11:19 am.
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Show notes

In this episode, we investigate the representation of working class voices in the UK’s environment sector, reveal exclusive ENDS analysis on the industry’s make-up and hear from those trying to break glass ceilings.


New ENDS analysis shows that of more than 260 environmental professionals surveyed, more than two-thirds of respondents felt that working class individuals are either significantly or slightly under-represented in their organisations.


Only a fifth felt this group was fairly represented. But the picture is arguably more nuanced that the data shows.


To help wrestle with the numbers, in this podcast we speak to:


  • Nadia Shaikh - a campaigner on land access and chair of the RAVEN network
  • Dr Ciara Dwyer - a research fellow for DEFRA and co-chair of the Socioeconomic Equality and Diversity (SEED) network
  • Sarah Mukherjee - chief executive officer at the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals
  • Emma River-Roberts - founder of the non-profit Working Class Climate Alliance



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