Three specialist insurance brands are taking the lead to bring the international diversity and inclusion festival Dive In to Melbourne for the first time.
SURA, a group of specialist underwriting agencies, insurance law firm Wotton + Kearney, and Liberty International Underwriters have joined forces to deliver the first Melbourne Dive In Festival, themed “Tackling Unconscious Bias.”
The event, designed to raise awareness and facilitate discussion and participation about unconscious bias, will be held as an interactive world café-style session on Sept. 27. It will feature Tracey Spicer, a diversity advocate and journalist, as MC, and Jan Cooper, renowned Women's AFL trailblazer and an expert in unconscious bias.
Angie Zissis, SURA managing director, said diversity and inclusion will position the insurance industry around the world as a “true progressive business force.”
“Enhanced diversity and inclusion in Australia’s insurance industry will position us all for a robust and resilient business future, by encouraging insight and contribution from all our great people,” Zissis said.
David Kearney, Wotton + Kearney chief executive partner, stressed the responsibility of organisations in helping their industry get fit for the future, and improved diversity and inclusion can be beneficial for all.
“By taking the issue directly to the local community in Melbourne in an engaging and inspirational event with exceptional subject-matter experts and guest speakers, we are looking forward to playing a key role in supporting the insurance industry take further practical steps towards understanding and improving diversity and inclusion,” Kearney said.
John McCabe, Liberty International Underwriters senior vice president, said there is a need for the industry to attract and retain the best talent in order to boost its reputation for boldness and innovation.
“People today are drawn to and thrive in inclusive workplaces. Inclusion creates better productivity and team performance, lays the groundwork for inspiring innovation, and reflects the values of our global customer base,” McCabe said. “In Melbourne we will show diverse and inclusive workplaces are becoming a business fundamental, not a discretionary addition.”
The Dive In Festival was launched in London in 2015. This year, the international, sector-wide event will be held in 32 cities in Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, China, Dubai, France, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, USA, and the UK.
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