The Women in Finance Charter has added 19 new signatories, affirming its commitment to promoting gender diversity in the financial sector.
The firms that have added their support for the Charter include: ClientTree, Tandem Bank, Darlington Building Society, CG Wealth Planning Ltd, Lowell, Scottish National Investment Bank, Oodle Car Finance, AllianceBernstein, Mercia Asset Management PLC, IntegraFin Holdings Limited, Haatch, GoCardless, Barnett Waddingham, Jensten Group Limited, Gooding Accounts Ltd, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Limited, Cabot Credit Management, Helen Williamson Financial Planning and Humboldt Financial.
The Women in Finance Charter, backed by HM Treasury, was created as a collaborative effort between the Government and signatory firms to build a more balanced and fair financial industry.
By signing up, firms pledge to align with the Government’s goal of achieving gender balance at all levels across financial services firms.
The Women in Finance Charter commits its signatories to support the progression of women into senior roles within the financial services sector, with a focus on the executive pipeline and mid-tier levels.
Recognising the diversity of the sector, the charter allows firms to establish their own targets and implement strategies tailored to their organisations.
Signatory firms are required to publicly report their progress towards meeting their internal targets. This reporting process is expected to drive meaningful change in the industry.
Lilla Dillaway, director of ClientTree, said: “At ClientTree, we recognise the importance of diversity – so joining the Charter was a natural step for us to show our ongoing commitment to this aspect of the business.
“Diversity comes in different forms and everyone will bring something unique to the table, so different perspectives can be considered.
“Since starting in the financial sector over a decade ago, I have witnessed a shift in diversity first-hand and not just along gender lines.
“This industry is definitely changing, which can only be a good thing, as it helps firms connect with different clients and embrace new ideas, new technologies.
“At the same time, we have to remember that diversity is not just about filling quotas – it’s about finding the right people without prejudice based on gender, background or ability.”
Steve McNicholas, chief people officer at Tandem Bank, added: “With an aspiration to see gender balance at all levels across financial services, Tandem’s leading the way in creating female role models that lead and inspire the next generation of female leaders.”
“We commit to working to build a fair and balanced industry, pledging to be the best place to work in the sector.”
