Our Culture

We're deeply committed to helping our team succeed, both personally and professionally, for the long haul. Like coral reefs, conservation professionals need to be resilient to drive the changes needed for a sustainable future.

“At Reef-World, we ensure every team member from different backgrounds feels respected, included, and empowered through our Culture of Care. We are committed to championing diversity, building an inclusive culture, and doing our best to create a more equitable workplace. Our people are core to our organisation.”

— JJ Harvey, Operations Director

Our Culture of Care at Reef-World isn't just talk — it's a set of real support systems designed to boost everyone's well-being. This approach helps each of us take good care of ourselves, look out for our teammates, and nurture our wider conservation network.

We build our culture through:

    • Staff access to a professional coach

    • Effective internal communication systems 

    • Designation of a named person from the Directors or Board, other than the line manager, to speak to about any challenges being faced

    • Well-defined areas of responsibility to avoid scope shifts

    • Annual opportunities for capacity building

    • Being a parent and family-friendly organisation

    • Encouragement to take full annual leave and team support for that staff’s workload in order to take leave 

    • Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)

    • Wellness days can be used for both physical and mental health

    • Period and Perimenopause Policy 

    • 360 appraisals

    • Semi-regular global team get-togethers

    • Designated monthly reflection time for Managers and Directors 

    • Opportunities for staff to take time off in lieu to recover from fieldwork and long-distance travel

    • Transparent working through a shared project management system to increase efficiency and reduce the need for unnecessary meetings

    • Hybrid working locations and flexible hours to support individual needs and timezones

    • Regular online socials

    • Bi-monthly 1-1 meetings between staff and line manager

    • Reef-World celebrates a diverse and multicultural team, always seeking to improve understanding of different customs and create a safe space for all staff to celebrate their individuality  

    • All staff are treated with respect, and innovation is encouraged at all levels in the organisation

    • Individual and team wins are celebrated weekly

Reef-World is a safe space for everyone. We especially want to make sure we are a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people, neurodivergent and disabled individuals, and racialised communities. We’re constantly learning to make sure everyone feels welcome here.

  • The Reef-World Foundation is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce and the stakeholders we serve, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

    The aim is for our workforce and stakeholders to be truly representative of all sections of the global society we serve, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best.

    The organisation - in providing goods and/or services and/or facilities - is also committed against unlawful discrimination of partners, stakeholders or the public.

  • Some of Reef-World’s activities engage on a limited basis with children, young people and adults of diverse social, economic and cultural backgrounds. In doing this work, Reef-World will always put their welfare and well-being first and is committed to preventing harm. Find out more about our safeguarding policy.