IOSH has ‘voluntarily’ published its gender pay gap to demonstrate its commitment to driving positive change. Companies in the UK with more than 250 employees are legally required to release their data, and IOSH has chosen to do so as part of its dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Figures for 2021-22 show the institution’s mean gender pay gap – the difference in average hourly earnings of men and women – is 16.6 per cent, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 18.0 per cent. This means that women earn 83p for every £1 earnt by men.

Although there is work to do, this sets a baseline from which to measure progress.

Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher, Chief Executive, IOSH said: “Putting people first is one of the key messages of our Catch the Wave social sustainability campaign. And prioritising people means holding ourselves accountable and recognising that we have more work to do.

“IOSH is committed to inclusion as an employer, membership organisation and professional body. We know we’re not perfect, but we are prepared to take bold steps to make everyday inclusion a reality, as demonstrated by our increased investment in EDI.”

A programme of work, which started with the appointment of EDI Lead Fayola Francis, is already under way. Fayola has already conducted in-depth research into IOSH’s current policies, processes, workforce profile and more. The result is a series of evidence-based recommendations and an action plan, in line with the Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmarks.

IOSH will also look to publish its ethnicity pay gap – the percentage difference between the average pay of staff from different minority ethnic groups – as part of this work.

Check out IOSH’s pay gap data on the gender pay gap service website.