Culture and inclusion

A welcoming and inspiring Society

We’re serious about equity for all. You’ll feel that you belong here, and we’ll do all we can to support and care for you every step of the way. We truly believe that bringing your true self to work makes us all stronger together.

You can make a difference

Diversity brings different ideas, skills and perspectives. We want a talented workforce that represents our communities – it’s how we truly understand and deliver on our members’ needs.
Everyone who works here should feel valued and respected. And while each of us has a unique and complex identity, being included should be straightforward and simple.
Here’s how we’re making it happen.

A story about our culture

Listen to the experiences of colleagues sharing their stories about our culture here at the Society.

Want to hear more from colleagues? Visit our colleague stories page.

Our commitments

We're committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects our members and communities. This means taking action when we don't feel this is the case.

Currently, we're focused on improving the representation of women and ethnic minorities in senior roles. Our goals by the end of 2030 are:

Diversity

  • For women to hold 45% of our senior management roles (and above roles) by the end of 2030

  • For colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds to hold 20% of our senior management roles by the end of 2030.

Inclusion and Belonging

  • At least 85% of colleagues to feel a sense of inclusion and belonging across the Group (measured through Great Place to Work).

Our networks

You can join our colleague networks as an ally at any time, and get involved as much or as little as you'd like.

Our pledges and accreditations

Disability Confident Employer logo

Disability Confident

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Progress Together

Progress together

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Women in finance

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Neurodiversity in Business

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BYP Network

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The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

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Race at work charter

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Pregnancy loss

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The 5% Club

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'Thank you for considering joining the Society!

I’m Rachel Macfarlane. Alongside my day job, I have the pleasure of being the Society’s Executive Sponsor for Diversity and Inclusion (D&I).

I’ve been here a few years, yet I’m still regularly amazed by the incredible work we do to make sure our members, communities and colleagues feel included. Some personal highlights this year were marching with colleagues at Warwickshire Pride in Leamington Spa and watching our networks come together to celebrate our 140 birthday – those moments felt truly special.

Our efforts are making a difference. This year, 85% of colleagues felt included, and 86% felt a sense of belonging, the highest levels we’ve ever seen.

But there’s more to do. We can’t be complacent. I’m committed to championing this cause until inclusion is a reality for everyone at the Society.'

Rachel Macfarlane
General Counsel, and Diversity and Inclusion Executive sponsor