IMRF Hosts Successful EDI Workshop at 10th Annual SAR Workshop in Miami

Building on the success of its first Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) workshop in Greece last November, the IMRF facilitated a one-day EDI workshop as part of the 10th Annual SAR Workshop in Miami, bringing together over 70 delegates from across the Caribbean and Atlantic region. 

The workshop opened with welcoming remarks from Caroline Jupe, IMRF CEO, and Dave Whiddon from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), who set the stage for a day of discussion on advancing inclusivity within SAR operations. The first session, led by Jaakko Heikkilä, the IMRF’s International Programme Manager, explored the fundamental question: Why does EDI matter in SAR? Through an interactive workshop, participants reflected on the importance of fostering diverse and inclusive teams to strengthen operational effectiveness and resilience. 

Following this, Jaakko Heikkilä presented insights from the IMRF’s global EDI survey, offering a snapshot of current efforts and ongoing challenges faced by SAR organisations worldwide. A pre-networking session, facilitated by Dave Whiddon, encouraged attendees to connect and share their own experiences before breaking for further discussion. 

The mid-morning session featured a series of case studies highlighting real-world examples of EDI in SAR. Phil Bostock from HM Coastguard shared the UK’s progress in increasing diversity within its ranks, while Phil Aspinall from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) provided a regional perspective. The Cayman Islands Coast Guard offered a powerful account of their efforts to build a more inclusive service, and the IMRF presented an update on the #WomenInSAR project, including a screening of the initiative’s latest film. 

Interactive workshops throughout the day encouraged participants to consider how EDI principles could be further embedded in their organisations. Led by Phil Bostock and Jaakko Heikkilä, these sessions explored practical strategies to drive change, from addressing unconscious bias to fostering inclusive recruitment and leadership practices. Delegates were also introduced to a tool designed to help them implement meaningful EDI initiatives within their teams. 

In the final moments, each participant wrote a note to themselves, capturing their personal thoughts and aspirations regarding EDI in their organisation. These notes will be sent back to them at a later date, serving as a reminder of their thoughts and feelings during the seminar. 

The workshop reaffirmed the importance of open dialogue, shared learning, and actionable steps in driving progress towards a more diverse and equitable SAR sector. The IMRF remains committed to supporting these efforts and looks forward to continuing its work in advancing EDI within the global SAR community.