By Sophie Hulm, CEO, Progress Together
As we wind down and make a start on the mince pies, I would like to ring in the new year by highlighting our ongoing efforts to drive progress and inclusivity within our industry.
First up, let’s talk about the 2024 Industrial Strategy Green Paper. This new strategy from the UK government lays out a ten-year plan to provide businesses with the stability they need to invest in high-growth sectors and boost long-term economic growth. Our response to this paper emphasizes the importance of tackling socio-economic diversity in the financial services sector.
By addressing the class pay gap and improving socio-economic diversity, we can significantly enhance the UK economy, promote social mobility, and ensure better outcomes for consumers. This aligns perfectly with our mission at Progress Together to create a more inclusive and equitable industry.
In addition to our response to the Green Paper, I’m thrilled to announce our upcoming research, authored by EY, which focuses on what really works across diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), working alongside FTSE Women Leaders, Change the Race Ratio and others. Have you ever wondered about the impact of GenAI on who is recruited and promoted within the workforce? If you have insights in either AI or HR, mark your calendars for 29th January, Rising with AI: Advancing Socio-Economic Diversity in Financial Services Tickets, Wed, Jan 29, 2025 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite. In Partnership with Accenture, this roundtable will explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, looking at how AI can help create more inclusive workplaces and drive meaningful change.
This event is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with thought leaders, share insights, and collaborate on strategies that can make a real difference in our industry. I encourage all of you to join in and contribute to these important discussions.
As 2025 approaches, together we can continue to lead the way in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that our industry not only thrives but also reflects the diverse society we serve.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
