GEMS Metropole School
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023-09 to 2024-06)
Reporting Period: 2023-09 to 2024-06
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Social Achievements
- Established a Global Committee to raise awareness of cross-cultural celebrations and events.
- Celebrated Black History Month, UAE Flag Day, Diwali, and Chinese New Year with various activities.
- Hosted a grand Iftar event.
- Launched the "World Culture in a Frame" competition.
- Conducted DEI surveys with students, staff, and parents.
- Carried out subject-specific curriculum audits.
- Successfully met the target of hiring 25 Emirati colleagues.
Governance Achievements
- Introduced new guidelines for diverse interview panels.
- Reviewed internal recruitment and selection processes.
- Developed a comprehensive DEI policy aligned with UAE laws.
Climate Goals & Targets
Medium-term Goals:
- Review and refine recruitment processes to ensure merit-based selection.
- Implement equitable and inclusive recruitment practices.
- Middle Leaders to complete a short course on Internationalising the Curriculum with Professor Betty Leask.
Short-term Goals:
- Enhance stakeholder engagement in DEI policy review.
- Implement continuous training and development in DEI.
- Support Third Culture Kids' identity development.
- Enhance students' sense of belonging in the UAE.
- Further promote cultural appreciation through school activities.
Environmental Challenges
- Some staff experienced racism, discrimination, or bias in the workplace.
- Concerns raised about fairness in internal promotion processes.
- Students from minority backgrounds felt the school did not sufficiently recognize or celebrate their home countries.
- Limited number of online portals for recruiting Emirati staff.
- Difficulty attracting male Emirati workers.
- High attrition rate of newly joined Emirati staff.
- Poor attendance among Emirati staff.
Mitigation Strategies
- Implemented a carousel system for candidate evaluation.
- Provided clear and constructive feedback to unsuccessful candidates.
- Developed a comprehensive DEI policy.
- Increased professional development opportunities related to DEI.
- Planned initiatives to improve curriculum internationalization.
- Actively recruiting Emirati staff and providing induction and support.
- Working with HR to monitor and track attendance.
- Conducting appraisal cycles and well-being check-ins with Emirati staff.
Supply Chain Management
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 4 (Quality Education)
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
Initiatives aim to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students, regardless of background.