Our diversity data report and how we use your data

Diversity data is about the characteristics, traits and qualities, that makes each one of us an individual. It includes questions on gender, nationality, religion, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Collecting this information is important because it gives us a richer understanding of our community.

Research shows that a broad range of perspectives lead to better science. Collecting this information is important because it gives us a richer understanding of the diversity of our community. With a broad spectrum of data, we can better address barriers and make our products, services and activities as inclusive as they should be.

In order to protect the anonymity of those completing the survey, we do not store data against the individual. This means that if you are involved in more than one activity with us, it is likely you may be asked for your diversity data more than once. 

We have made all possible efforts to minimise the time it takes for you to answer the questions. We hope that you are able to contribute your data each time you are asked.

No. Data is collected anonymously. Also, anything that we publicly report on – in our Diversity Data Report for example – will be aggregated and we will not report on any data individually.

When fewer than five people are represented in any category of data we will not state the exact number of individuals to reduce the likelihood of those individuals being identified.

We have done everything in our power to ensure we have appropriate privacy and safety measures in place so that you can feel comfortable sharing your information with us.

We are including privacy measures to prevent the identification of any individual, particularly when there may be small sample pools. Raw data will be aggregated to ensure the protection of individuals’ identity.

Where data is considered not identifiable, raw data might be analysed (but not reported) if there is a legitimate interest in doing so. This will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by our Data Protection Officer, Dr David Barr. We will never report raw data.

We are an evidence-led organisation and use data to paint a clear picture of our chemistry community. This helps us to ensure that we are designing relevant programmes, products and services and that they include everyone in the chemical sciences.

Whether you are part of a majority or a minority, you are part of the chemical sciences community. When we talk about inclusion, we mean inclusion for all, not just those who are over- or under-represented in the chemical sciences. To effect real change, we need as many people as possible to take part in our diversity data monitoring.

The more people and different perspectives we have contributing to chemistry, the richer the discussions we have and the greater ideas we develop. When every chemist feels like they belong to the profession, the chemical sciences prosper. Collecting diversity data gives us a richer understanding of the diversity of our community and allows us to better address barriers and make our products, services and activities as inclusive as they should be.

There is an option to answer ‘prefer not to disclose’, or you can choose to skip the question. This does not affect your answer to any other question.

Diversity data includes information that is both personal and sensitive. Therefore, the utmost care is taken in protecting it. Please read our privacy statement for more information on how we collect, process and store data.