By Chris Mackinnon, Lloyd’s General Representative in Australia

For the past five years Lloyd’s has been at the forefront of promoting diversity and inclusion in the insurance industry, globally and in Australia.

Inherent to a culture that strives towards creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, the Corporation of Lloyd’s has made great strides to ensure everyone is treated equally, and it is a place where team members can fulfil their potential.

Some of these efforts have included a commitment to gender balance in senior leadership, pledging our support for institutions and charters such as Women in Finance and Women in Reinsurance, as well as the formation of a steering group for diversity and inclusion within the Lloyd’s market – Inclusion@Lloyd’s.

We understand that the global risk industry is facing complex challenges. To attract the best talent, the insurance industry must focus on its reputation as a good sector in which to work.

This means looking beyond traditional definitions of diversity to consider a broader range of factors, such as age, cultural background, sexuality, social mobility, faith, caring responsibilities, mental health and physical impairments.

However, change within Lloyd’s alone is not enough.

In 2015, Lloyd’s co-founded the Dive In Festival in London, which was attended by a small group of companies from the Lloyd’s market, to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the insurance industry.

This single event has grown into an international festival, with more than 110 events being held this year in 50 cities around the world.

In 2016, Dive In became the first and only initiative of its kind in the Australian insurance industry, helping the industry get fit for the future.

Dive In has helped highlight the business case for diverse and inclusive workplaces and provided practical ideas and inspiration for how to bring about positive change.

It has grown far beyond its roots to include some of the world’s largest insurance companies, brokers, underwriters and associated service providers.

This year we are doing our part again, spearheading 17 Dive In events across Australia and New Zealand that will take place from September 24- 26.

Dive In has united the insurance industry in striving for greater awareness and more inclusive workplaces, with more than 25 companies supporting the festival across Australia and New Zealand.

Now, after several years of raising awareness, the diversity and inclusion agenda needs to transcend the aspirational messages of previous years and turn awareness into action.

The 2019 festival is built on the significant progress that has been made across the sector. A record number of companies have pledged their support and more industry professionals than ever are participating.

Perhaps one of the most resounding messages for Lloyd’s, as organiser of the festival in Australia and New Zealand, is how Dive In has become a true collaboration across the entire insurance industry.

Dive In demonstrates the goodwill that exists between competitors, and highlights the commitment to working together on an initiative that will benefit the entire industry.

We now have 10 insurance companies in Australia that have signed the Inclusive Behaviours in Insurance Pledge – an industry initiative that emerged from a 2018 Dive In event. As we continue to raise awareness, we hope more companies will sign the pledge to exemplify their commitment to diversity and inclusion in insurance.

As we finalise our preparations for Dive In, this year promises to be our biggest event yet. It highlights the unwavering commitment that Lloyd’s has in its ambition to build a better industry.

Registrations for Dive In Australia and New Zealand events open on August 1 on the Dive In website.