The dust is starting to settle on this year’s Dive In Festival but the message about the importance of diversity and inclusion appears to be resonating throughout the industry.
The latest indication comes as Covéa Insurance announces it has signed up to the Women in Finance charter, a commitment by HM Treasury, and signatory organisations, to work together to build a more balanced and fair industry. It reflects the Government’s aspiration to see gender balance at all levels across financial services organisations.
In a statement making the announcement, Covéa Insurance outlined that it has considered the practices the company can adopt to ensure career opportunities are equally accessible across gender; as well as ensuring that greater access to flexible working is high on the company’s list of priorities to ensure its employees can balance their career and achieve a positive work-life balance.
In addition, the insurer is developing new initiatives such as an Inspire Leading Women programme – a forum supporting the company’s female leadership population to realise and fulfil their potential by exploring the issues and challenges pertinent to women in leadership positions today.
“Research has shown that companies with gender balanced leadership teams possess a broader range of skills and qualities, and thus outperform their competitors,” commented James Reader, CEO of Covéa Insurance. “Not only is gender equality and striving to achieve a truly gender balanced organisation ‘the right thing to do’, it’s key to ensuring we can achieve our longer term growth aspirations and successfully meet our customers’ needs.
“Ultimately, the charter is a great mechanism for keeping diversity and inclusion on the Boardroom agenda, to ensure we offer a working environment that is attractive, challenging and supportive for all.”
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