How can WIBF better support you?

Uncertainty about future economic developments is pushing leaders to ensure their workforces are as productive as possible. But, as news about the first rounds of layoffs surfaced, we were disappointed by some reports (albeit mainly from US tech firms) that showed diversity and inclusion (D&I) teams are seeing bigger cuts in numbers than human resources and legal teams in general.

Aside from the knock-on effects these redundancies will formally have on the colleagues who remain, as well as informally on the employee network group organisers who progress D&I on top of their ‘day jobs’, these changes will have other implications, particularly on productivity and performance. This is especially the case for financial services firms given so much success relies on workstreams that D&I initiatives enhance, such as talent acquisition and retention.

Fortunately for those who receive our weekly digest newsletter, WIBF sees a brighter future. As our President and CEO, Anna Lane, shared last week, our social enterprise saw an 88% increase in corporate partnerships in 2022 and new requests for information on memberships continue to stream in. The uptick in new joiners pushes us to step up our activities and offer even more to those seeking support.

It’s an increase in activity we will also soon be able to better showcase through our new website. With that launch, we wanted to ask what other information you might like to see published on the revamped site.

We will, of course, continue to profile members’ achievements and provide access to insights on D&I initiatives taking place within the UK financial services industry. And we will always share updates on WIBF’s ‘core pillars’ (communities and networking, mentoring and development and thought leadership, as well as talent recruitment, retention and recognition). Now, we also want to find a path to feature issues faced by women beyond their financial services’ careers, but which are also important and relevant to our members.

A good example of the type of information we could publish is the background on the recent decision by the government to not trial a menopause leave scheme, or start a consultation process to understand the opportunities that would result if menopause became a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 in its own right. We even have a fantastic voice to highlight the necessary thinking that needs to be brought to these conversations in Marian Bloodworth, a member of WIBF’s Advisory Board and the outgoing Chair of the Employment Lawyers’ Association, who gave evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee’s Menopause and the workplace Inquiry.*

But what would you like to see? From arthritis to workplace pensions, we know there is information we can collate and share which could make a difference. Please share your thoughts here and help us create a website that can support you as individuals, as well as help you in your careers.

*You can hear Marian’s insights on BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour  (c. 31:30 minutes in) if you haven’t already done so.