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A strong
network
Lloyd’s Blueprint One highlights that talented people will be attracted to the
insurance market because of a diverse environment that allows them to thrive,
says Maurice Rose, risk and regulatory manager, PwC, and co-chair, Link, the
LGBT insurance network.
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t is clear that the London Market is striving to improve
diversity and inclusion. September’s Dive In Festival for
diversity and inclusion in insurance is evidence of this.
The Lloyd’s Blueprint One also looks to address the
“It is often middle management who are
the blockers to progress and change.” I
issues faced across the market.
Blueprint One highlights that the most talented people will be
attracted to the market because of the diverse environment that allows
them to thrive. This requires representing all aspects of diversity to better
reflect and respond to the societies in which we operate. The results of the
first Lloyd’s culture survey show that there is still a lot to do.
As chair of Link, the cross-insurance industry LGBT network, I
have seen an improvement from an inclusion perspective for LGBT
people, from both existing and new talent perspectives. Despite
this, there is further work needed, perhaps most notably outlined
by the lack of insurance representation on the Stonewall 100
Equality Index.
An increased number of LGBT Employee Resource Groups have
been established, creating a network for LGBT individuals to thrive.
More work, however, is needed to address the intersectional issues
faced by many, such as those experienced by LGBT black and minority
ethnic individuals.
It is clear that most realise the importance of a diverse workforce,
and can make the commercial link between the two. There is often
support at the most senior levels within firms, but it is often middle
management who are the blockers to progress and change.
At Link, our mission is to attract and retain the best LGBT talent
in the industry. We do this through education and events, to drive
forward change in the industry. We are looking to connect the dots
among the industry, share best practice and use our size, influence
and support to root out discrimination.
The industry could do more, in terms of PR, about promoting
itself as a fantastic area to work, with varied opportunities and
opportunity for progression. Portraying an image of inclusion, with a
diverse workforce to support this, will be key. ■
Maurice Rose is risk and regulatory manager, PwC, and co-chair,
Link, the LGBT insurance network.
www.lgbtinsurancenetwork.co.uk
Diversity and Inclusion Report 2019 www.intelligentinsurer.com