Firms from the investment and savings industry (or profession) across the UK will join forces this summer to promote better diversity and inclusivity in financial services with the “Diverse City” series of fundraising events.
The series will start with a gala night at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on 21 May, sponsored by M&G Investments. The next event takes place on 27 June at The National Museum in Cardiff, sponsored by Legal & General Investment Management, before Standard Life Aberdeen and Virgin Money host a dinner on 13 September at Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh. The series culminates at the Guildhall in London on 29 October in partnership with The Lord Mayor’s Appeal. Similar events will take place in Belfast and Manchester.
Funds raised from the events will be invested in further improving diversity in the investment and savings industry, including initiatives to encourage and support more young people who might not have considered careers in financial services to do so.
Over 50 major firms and associated organisations are already on board, including M&G Investments, Standard Life Aberdeen, Legal & General Investment Management, HSBC, Aviva, Schroders, Virgin Money, Cicero Group, PwC, SSgA, the Investment Association, The Pension Corporation, Invesco Perpetual, Mercer, Willis Towers Watson, Redington, Murano, Old Mutual, Columbia Threadneedle, Deloitte, and EY.
The events are being coordinated by Diversity Project, a non-profit organisation which aims to accelerate progress towards equality and inclusivity across the investment profession.
Helena Morrissey DBE, Chair of the Diversity Project, commented:
“The modern City is markedly different to the one I first joined. Most investment firms I know are working hard to create diverse workplaces that enable people from as broad as possible a range of backgrounds to have the same great career opportunities – but there is still much more to be done. I am delighted that so many businesses are reaffirming their commitment to the goals of the Diversity Project by supporting the Diverse City events this summer, and I encourage more firms who share our ambition to join us.”