Representatives from the Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter team have been confirmed to take part in a panel discussion on the role of diversity targets at the Finance Professional Show.
Deborah Ejim-McCubbin, policy adviser, Women in Finance Charter at the Treasury, will introduce the session entitled Diversity – addressing the imbalance, which takes place at the Finance Professional Show on Wednesday 7 November.
She will provide an overview of the Women in Finance Charter, talk about the Charter’s March 2018 annual review, and about the Government Equalities Office ‘What Works’ advice to employers, before a wider group discussion on diversity.
Earlier this year, Clare Jupp, people development director at Brightstar, co-hosted an event with the Treasury and Virgin Money to bring the importance of the Charter to the attention of various specialist finance industry stakeholders. She will also be on the panel.
Joining them on the panel at the FP Show will be Becky Hewitt, vice chair of the Women in Finance Charter Board and director of people at Leeds Building Society, and Adrian Moloney, sales director at OneSavings Bank. The session will be chaired by Beth Fisher, Editor at Medianett.
Women in Finance will also host a stand at the event, providing delegates with the opportunity find out more about the Charter and register their interest about becoming signatories.
Ejim-McCubbin said: “The Women in Finance Charter reflects the government’s ambition to see gender balance at all levels across financial services firms.
“This is a great opportunity to talk about how firms can continue to take action on this and contribute to having a really positive impact on the financial services sector as a whole.”
Moloney added: “Gender equality should be a key focus in every industry, not just financial services, and within OneSavings Bank as a result of our commitment to the Women in Finance Charter, it’s been an area of genuine focus.
“For example, we have seen good progress in respect of the number of female employees undertaking senior management positions. We do need to ensure an ongoing focus and that’s why events such as these are so important and I’m very happy to be involved. Gender equality can never really be achieved if men are not involved in the discussion, debate and, ultimately, action.
“Whilst we acknowledge there isn’t a quick fix, this is a great opportunity to discuss together and share the best practices that can contribute positively both to the charter and the broader subject of gender equality.”
Jupp said: “I believe that these activities represent real action and have the power to make a significant impact upon a huge audience. The involvement and support of HM Treasury and the Vice Chair of the Women in Finance Committee, alongside signatories and businesses who are already doing a great deal to progress the diversity agenda, gives huge credibility to this work.
“I am determined that this industry will become a more inclusive one and one that will provide equal opportunity to all who are part of it. We need your support: what are you waiting for?”