A campaign to gather richer data on equality, diversity and inclusion across the investment management industry has been launched in response to pressure from the UK’s financial regulator.
The move follows the Financial Conduct Authority’s calls for firms to boost EDI within their operations. Last year, it unveiled rules requiring listed companies to report information and disclose against targets for female and ethnic minority representation on their boards and executive management, making it easier for investors to see the diversity of senior leadership teams.
The Investment Association and the Thinking Ahead Institute have joined forces to provide a more detailed overview of the UK investment management industry’s demographic makeup and allow firms to benchmark their progress.
In a survey sent to the Investment Association’s 250 members, firms are asked to provide data on a range
of employee attributes, including gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background and neurodiversity. The survey will ask about the type of diversity data currently being gathered by the industry and how often companies collect it. It also aims to establish how firms are advancing EDI within their organisation and the wider industry through different initiatives and charters.
“Creating inclusive workplaces and diverse workforces is crucial to the success of the investment management industry and to ensure that we truly represent the customers we serve,” said Karis Stander, director of culture, talent and inclusion at The Investment Association. “Data lies at the cornerstone of this.”
The results of the survey will be published later this year.
