Lloyd’s will hold a diversity and inclusion festival in Sydney next month as part of a global initiative.

The inaugural Dive In event was held in London last year, and this year it features 45 events across 10 countries: Australia, Bermuda, Canada, China, France, Ireland, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK and the US.

Lloyd’s says the festival, from September 27-29, will be the first international, sector-wide diversity event, with a potential audience of more than 1 million insurance leaders and employees.

General Representative in Australia Chris Mackinnon says he is delighted to be involved.

“We are overwhelmed with the support we have received for this initiative from the Australian insurance community,” he said.

“The feedback we have had suggests that while there is a high level of awareness around the benefits and advantages of a diverse and inclusive workplace, the opportunities to drive home that message and promote its execution can be limited.

“The Dive In festival creates the perfect environment to showcase our commitment as an industry to offer a diverse and inclusive working environment.”

The Sydney event starts with platinum sponsor XL Catlin and co-sponsors Aon and Norton Rose Fulbright holding a gender diversity discussion panel, followed by networking drinks.

On day two Willis Towers Watson will host an event focusing on LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex) people in the workplace, and GSA Insurance Brokers and JLT will hold an event celebrating multiculturalism in Australia.

On day three Dual Australia and Marsh will present a cooking demonstration at QBE Australia’s head office, incorporating discussion about mental health awareness, and to close the festival Lloyd’s Australia will host an expo-style networking function focusing on physical disabilities.

Events are free to everyone working in the insurance industry, with prior registration via the website or smartphone app.

Click here for more information.