Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We believe that a workforce, comprised of employees from all demographics and with diversity in backgrounds and experiences, helps us develop more meaningful relationships that reach and resonate with our clients' diverse customer and stakeholder bases. DE&I enables us to provide innovative and creative solutions, which is central to who we are and what we do at Chaucer.
We recognise that advantages and barriers exist for different races, genders, classes and nationalities, and we are committed to addressing and correcting these imbalances through initiatives, actions, and programs that are equitable practices.
We believe that varied and different perspectives breed innovation and it is important to us to build and nurture teams that are as diverse as the customers and communities we serve. We want our people to thrive personally and professionally, and we strive for everyone to feel valued, empowered to share ideas and have equal opportunities.
We've created several ongoing initiatives to shape a work environment where DE&I is woven into our culture, behaviours, processes and operations with a focus on employee networks, training, recruitment and partnerships, among other actions.
The success of our business depends on our people and we are dedicated to creating a diverse workforce and an inclusive and equitable environment that reflects our company values.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Group
Celebrating Diwali with Chaucer’s LUNAR Asian Network Employee Resource Group
On 21st November, colleagues enjoyed a spectacular event held in our employee café in the Scalpel in London, to celebrate the South Asian festival of lights. The celebration was a vibrant affair, kicking off with a panel discussion between ERG members on the meaning of Diwali and how their families celebrate, followed by activities for all including live music, energetic Bhangra dancing with Dhols, henna tattooing, saree draping and of course – eating delicious South Asian treats.
Gender & Ethnicity Pay Gap Reports
Our people are fundamental to our success and we are committed to ensuring we become a more diverse and more successful business through the creation of a genuinely inclusive culture.
Chaucer Scholarship Programme
Applications now open.
As part of our commitment to equity we have introduced the Chaucer Scholarship programme where we will support a student through university by covering their university fees and living costs.
The purpose of the scholarship is to help the next generation continue into higher education without any financial burden. Our aim is to make the (re)insurance industry more accessible as well as providing networking opportunities within Chaucer. We are dedicated to diversifying our workplace and the scholarship programme enables the next generation of leaders regardless of their starting positions.
Applications close Monday 3rd June.
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Our Networks
Our commitments
Via the commitment of the key charters and policies below, we are dedicated to leading change across our industry and being a genuine force for good.
Clear Assured
In 2020 Chaucer signed up to Clear Assured, an external Diversity & Inclusion Standard that gives HR teams clear direction, effective tools and benchmarking capability.
Clear Assured sets direction for D&I, showing the areas that require focus in order to make the biggest impact and continually improve. There are 5 stages leading to a full Clear Assured accreditation and we began our work in 2020. In 2021 we achieved our Bronze status, followed by Silver in 2022.
For 2024, we are delighted to announce we have achieved Gold status. Looking ahead our long-term goal is to achieve Platinum status.
Women in Finance Charter
We recognise the importance that equality legislation has to play in promoting equality and eliminating unlawful discrimination, in striving for excellence we seek to create an inclusive environment globally for all.
As part of our commitment to achieving a greater gender balance at Chaucer we are proud to announce that we have signed the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter. This charter is a commitment by HM Treasury and all the signatory firms to work together to build a more balanced and inclusive financial service industry in the UK.
We are committed to driving Diversity and Inclusion forward and have actions planned and underway to improve gender equality, including a refresh our talent acquisition strategy to ensure:
- All candidate shortlists are diverse, and proactively working with the business areas who have poor diversity to effect positive change
- Requiring all managers to undertake inclusive hiring training before recruiting
- Continued development of inclusive policies to build a more inclusive culture
- Proactive driving of greater inclusivity across all out talent management programmes and practices
- Continued support for working families by embracing flexible working and building inclusive management and leadership skills
- Regular monitoring and evaluation of our progress in ensuring equal opportunity across all aspect of employment
When we signed up to the Charter in June 2020, we had 22% female representation in senior level roles against our first target of 25% by March 2022, which we achieved. As of September 2024, we have met our 2026 target of 40% early at 43%. Although we have made positive progress over time, we have more work to do. We believe we are on track to continue to meet our current Charter target of 40%. We have recruited a number of senior women over the last 12 months some of whom are yet to join the Company and whilst this will have a positive impact on our targets it will have a much wider impact in terms of inclusion and role models in the Company.
Race at Work Charter
We are pleased to announce our commitment to racial equality by signing the Race at Work Charter, a government initiative in partnership with Business in the Community (BITC), designed to support black, Asian and minority ethnic employees in the UK.
We recognise that ethnic minorities still face significant disparities in employment and progression, and we are comitted to cultivating an inclusive and diverse organisation.
In support of this, Chaucer pledges to:
- Appoint an Executive Sponsor for race
- Capture data and publicise progress
- Ensure zero tolerance of harassment and bullying
- Make equality in the workplace the responsibility of all leaders and managers
- Take action that supports ethnic minority career progression
Disability Confident Employer
We are proud to be disability confident which is a government scheme supporting employers in ensuring disabled people, and those with long term health conditions, are able reach their full potential within their organisation.
The scheme will help us to ensure we are doing our very best in increasing our reach when recruiting and giving as many people as possible the opportunity to be a part of the Chaucer group.
As a Disability Confident employer, we have committed to:
- ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible
- communicating and promoting vacancies
- offering an interview to disabled people
- anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required
- supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work
- at least one activity that will make a difference for disabled people.
To find out more, please click here.