The Chartered Insurance Institute has launched a new equality and diversity good practice guide for members, employers and the insurance and financial services professions to raise awareness and encourage best practice.
The guidance includes tips and resources to help professionals, particularly those in smaller firms, go beyond the minimum requirements when managing diversity.
It also consists of case studies of how Lloyd’s of London, Aviva and Link, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual support group, are working to promote equality and diversity within the insurance profession.
Liz Coyle, chartered insurer and chair of the CII professional standards board diversity action group, said: “Some view diversity as a mine field, filled with red-tape, and as a result are reluctant to engage. For others it’s a case of not knowing where to begin. But addressing equality and diversity isn’t about box ticking – it’s about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and, should they wish, to progress.
“Our aim as employees and employers should be to create a culture within insurance and financial services that accepts people for what, and who they are. In doing so, we can foster an atmosphere of inclusion and understanding which encourages everyone to participate. Having a strong equality and diversity policy need not be difficult or expensive, and so that is why we’ve created this guidance which acts as a starting point and helpful sign post.”
Daniel Pedley, public affairs manager at the CII, added: “Insurance and financial services are incredibly diverse professions, often with equally diverse customer bases. So it makes sense to have a workforce that draws on a whole range of talents from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds and circumstances. Therefore it is vital that employers come to value diversity and manage it well.
“Supporting equality and diversity and making it part of the fabric of our profession will, ultimately, help to create stronger and more resilient organisations – through the richer environments that evolve as a result. This guide is particularly aimed at small firms who just want common sense guidelines to help them do the right thing.”
