Days before the Pride march is set to hit London’s streets, the Investment Association (IA) is encouraging fund management firms to build more inclusive environments for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.
Diversity needs to be hardwired into the recruitment process, the UK fund management trade body has said in a report that draws on the experiences of LGBT+ professionals in the industry.
“Companies should brief recruitment consultants that they value diversity and inclusion in all forms. They should be clear and unambiguous in job adverts about welcoming LGBT+ applicants specifically, and discuss diversity and inclusion at interviews,” the IA says.
The report also highlights the need for firms to make LGBT+ people feel welcome and comfortable, whether it be running staff diversity network membership drives or “handing out badges, stickers, flags or posters for (LGHBT+) allies to show support at their desks”.
This year, firms across the City are flying the rainbow flag in a show of support for LGBT rights.
“Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people make an immeasurable contribution to society, the City and investment management. Their lived experiences enrich our industry and their voices, opinions and experiences help investment performance, widen horizons and discourage group think,” said the IA’s chief executive Chris Cummings.
The report is based on two roundtable discussions hosted by the IA at M&G Investments and Baillie Gifford in London and Edinburgh in May 2019.
©2019 funds europe
