Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategy of the Year

This award celebrates the organisation within the financial services sector that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. It recognises companies that have implemented outstanding DEI policies, practices, or strategies that go beyond compliance—actively promoting respect, equity, and opportunity for all. The winning business will have a proven track record of creating an environment where diversity is embraced and inclusivity is embedded into the company culture, leading to measurable positive outcomes for employees. Entry is by a 5-page A4 PDF submission; the judges will be looking for a clear plan and evidence that it is delivering on core objectives, paying attention to the criteria listed below.

• Organisation Overview and Commitment: Introduce your organisation, detailing how diversity, equality, and inclusion are embedded in your culture, leadership, and business strategy. Highlight key milestones in your DEI journey, especially within the context of financial services.
• Recruitment and Hiring Strategies: Detail your recruitment and hiring approaches that ensure diverse representation across all levels. Describe how inclusive job design, outreach efforts, or targeted talent programmes have supported greater equity, with a particular focus on increasing gender diversity in finance roles.
• Exceptional Initiatives: Showcase innovative DEI initiatives that go beyond compliance. These could include leadership development for women, returnship or sponsorship programmes, employee resource groups, or inclusive finance education. Highlight how these initiatives have transformed access and opportunity.
• Inclusive Culture: Describe the specific policies, practices, and behaviours that contribute to an inclusive workplace where all employees feel safe, respected, and valued. Include examples of how inclusion is promoted through communication, leadership, training, and everyday interactions.
• Monitoring and Accountability: Explain how DEI efforts are measured, monitored, and reported—both internally and externally. Highlight how feedback, analytics, or benchmarking is used to track progress and drive accountability across teams and leadership.
• Measurable Impact and Success Stories: Provide data and examples that demonstrate the measurable impact of your DEI efforts on employee outcomes—such as satisfaction, retention, engagement, leadership progression, or improved representation. Include success stories that bring these results to life.