We believe that we have an extraordinary opportunity to press the re-set button in our industry: to recruit, nurture and retain the first truly diverse generation of Investment and Savings professionals. That generation will themselves perpetuate diversity in our industry; we are looking to break one cycle and create another.

If we are successful:

1. Our businesses will better reflect both society at large, and the individuals who trust us with their money.
2. Our people will create better financial outcomes to benefit our diverse savers and investors.
3. We will attract more interest in the industry, with a pipeline of diverse talent.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is not only a social obligation, it’s a business imperative in our Industry.

An Advisory Council (AC), made up of CEOs or C-suite equivalent and meets every 2-3 months. Its function is to provide input on the priorities for the Diversity Project and to offer support and guidance to the workstreams. As key decision-makers in their firms, they can take recommendations back into their organisations and effect change.

The Steering Committee (SC) is made up of representatives of all member firms. Meeting every two months, its job is to provide input, support and leadership for the workstreams. Its members are encouraged to share case studies of initiatives successfully carried out in their own organisations, as well as taking new ideas and recommendations back to implement in their firms.

Workstreams comprise employees of member firms who are passionate about a specific aspect of diversity or inclusion. These groups are largely self-organising. They determine their goals and objectives each year, deciding which initiatives to pursue and what events to run in order to raise awareness or create networking opportunities. The current workstream structure is shown here. They are also responsible for populating their relevant Dimensions of DEI pages with best practice and guidance documents, case studies, role models and links to useful information and organisations. These groups typically convene once a month to discuss progress. Group leads meet every two months to share progress and ensure that any overlaps or omissions are addressed.