Let's have a wider view on diversity

I read with some interest the article Sex in the 21st Century (The Actuary, September 2015, bit.ly/1KlsvwE). It has become clear to me in recent times that the issue of diversity and equality has become elevated amongst actuaries, and, while the sentiment should be applauded, I am somewhat disappointed by the narrow focus in which this has been tackled. Having been bombarded with this topic, I have come to a slightly controversial conclusion.

For me, gender equality is only one of the many strands of diversity which we should be considering. As a collection of learned people, I feel that the subject of 'inclusion' should be approached with much more intelligence and wisdom.

Being of Indian descent and having grown up on a council estate in the Midlands, to me diversity includes many issues: ethnicity, social demography, academic ability and age, to name just a few. Could we not spend more time talking about all of these subjects together rather than just pulling out one particular area and making that the topic of the day?

It is no coincidence that many people within professional financial services come from well educated and often middle-class backgrounds. The question I would like to ask is, what are we doing as actuaries to encourage those from more humble beginnings to rise to the top of their fields? What are we doing to help those from families who have never had members go to university? What are we doing to help those who talk a bit funny or aren't connected to the right people to thrive? As far as I can tell, the answer is nothing!

Please don't misunderstand me, I am not rubbishing the importance of female equality, merely trying to highlight the fact that, as actuaries, we should really be using our big brains to think more broadly and help educate everybody about diversity in a wider context.

Response from IFoA
Dear Sameer, you are of course right, diversity is much more than gender equality. We will address diversity in its widest meaning.

We all have an important role to play in enabling change, and it's one we take seriously at the IFoA. When we started we asked other similar organisations how they had implemented a broad diversity strategy. They told us we should initially focus our efforts on one issue, and then move onto the next issue.

They found this a more effective way of getting the message across. And so that's why, as part of our broader diversity agenda, understanding and addressing gender diversity is our key objective this year.

The IFoA will publish its diversity strategy shortly. It outlines our broader commitments to ensuring equality and diversity in the profession. Building awareness and understanding of the issues faced by our members is one of our main aims.

Thank you for helping raise awareness, and we hope your letter prompts contributions from other members.