Dive In at QBE

QBE hosted two Dive In events in September, in support of the Dive In Festival initiative. Dive In is a global movement in the insurance sector to support the development of an inclusive workplace culture, and this year marks its five-year anniversary. It is the only international, sector-wide, concurrent diversity and inclusion event of its kind, anywhere in the world. Dive In events took place in over 60 cities, across 33 countries from 24 – 26 September.

Dive In is helping insurance get fit for the future, highlighting the business case for diverse and inclusive workplaces and providing practical ideas and inspiration for how to bring about positive change. The award-winning festival is an initiative of Inclusion@Llloyd’s, the group that provides strategy, governance and practical support across the Lloyd’s market.

The event hosted by QBE in London was titled ‘Gaining control of your finances – staying financially fit’ and was opened by QBE’s Chief Financial Officer, David Winkett. The focus of the event was recognising the impact financial worries can have on an individual’s mental health. Guest speaker Gavin Thorn, from Aon’s investments team provided insight into what financial wellbeing is, why it matters and 8 healthy habits to help manage your finances. Gavin has over 21 years’ experience in the financial services industry and his wealth of knowledge on this topic proved insightful.

The QBE Paris office, in collaboration with Chubb and Gras Savoye Willis Towers Watson, hosted a lively session, on the importance of encouraging LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace, between Diversity & Inclusion association L’Autre Cercle, consulting firm Accordia and youth support group Le Refuge.

Le Refuge offers accommodation and personalised support to LGBT+ youth who are ‘in a situation of family rejection’. They reinforced the reasons why LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace is so important. L’Autre Cercle and Accordia spoke about the role employers have in LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace, and how to encourage an inclusive culture.

QBE Paris finished the event with examples of what we’re doing in our own workplace. This included:

• The importance of allies – there are currently 10 in the Paris office
• Signing the L’Autre Cercle charter in 2017, which commits QBE to concrete actions to build a more inclusive workplace for the LGBT+ community
• Media coverage on LGBT+ in the workplace
• Training for all employees – particularly managers