The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has set out a multi-year strategy and work plan aimed at improving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the industry.
In its 35-page DEI Blueprint, the trade body stated: “The ABI believes that making the insurance and long-term savings industry diverse, equitable, and inclusive is an urgent priority for our sector. It is a cause we have long championed and promoted – and one to which ABI members are committed.
“We are proud of the progress we have already made, which has allowed many people to access jobs and opportunities that would not have been available to them in previous decades. However, our industry has not made as much progress as we would like. To create a truly inclusive culture where barriers affecting different groups of people are broken down, a holistic and comprehensive approach is needed.”
According to the Blueprint, the ABI will be doubling down on three themes spanning the employment journey – attract, grow, and advance. The goal, said the association, is to access the full range of talent, in a bid to make the UK’s insurance and long-term savings industry the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive sector in the country.
“The Blueprint sets out transparently how the ABI will structure our work on DEI over the next three years,” noted the trade body. “It is intended to provide firms across our sector with a set of prioritised actions they can use to inform their work and benchmark themselves against industry peers. It also provides our partners and stakeholders with a consistent indication of how we would like to work with you.
“Under the three themes, we have set out ambitions for ourselves as a trade association, good practice for our members, and the areas on which we want to work with our partners and stakeholders.”
ABI director general Hannah Gurga commented that the need for a diverse range of experiences and perspectives has never been greater, at a time when society is entering what she said are the most challenging circumstances in a decade.
“I’m proud that our industry is setting the path for change with this ambitious Blueprint,” declared Gurga. “This isn’t just about changing the way the industry looks and feels – it’s about creating a more effective industry that represents the people we serve.
“Whether it’s financial resilience or climate change, our sector has always aspired to be at the forefront of efforts to address societal challenges. So, we must also play a leading role in creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces.”
In the UK, 320,000 people work in insurance and long-term savings.
