Culture and inclusion

A welcoming and inspiring Society

We’re serious about equity for all. You’ll feel that you belong here, and we’ll do all we can to support and care for you every step of the way. We truly believe that bringing your true self to work makes us all stronger together.

You can make a difference

Diversity brings different ideas, skills and perspectives. We want a talented workforce that represents our communities – it’s how we truly understand and deliver on our members’ needs.
Everyone who works here should feel valued and respected. And while each of us has a unique and complex identity, being included should be straightforward and simple.
Here’s how we’re making it happen.

A story about our culture

Listen to the experiences of colleagues sharing their stories about our culture here at the Society.

Want to hear more from colleagues? Visit our colleague stories page.

Our commitments

We're committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects our members and communities. This means taking action when we don't feel this is the case.

Currently, we're focused on improving the representation of women and ethnic minorities in senior roles. Our goals by the end of 2025 are:

  • For women to hold 50% board roles, 50% of our management roles, and 40% of our senior management roles by the end of 2025

  • For colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds to hold 25% of our management roles, and 10% of our senior management roles by the end of 2025

Our networks

You can join our colleague networks as an ally at any time, and get involved as much or as little as you’d like. We’ve listed some of them below:
 

Women's network

Our network for women and people who identify as female. The purpose of the network is for members to make connections, share experiences, inspire and empower each other.

Accessibility network

Our network representing our colleagues that are neurodiverse or have a disability. They’re focused on working towards a Society that knows it takes all kinds of different minds to achieve our future goals and to raise awareness of disabilities.

Carers network

Our network for colleagues with family and caring responsibilities. Their purpose is to share information, support and learn from one another.

Asian network

Our Asian network is focused on promoting inclusivity, cultural competence and unlocking career potential. Members support each other to share, learn and grow.

Rainbow network

Representing our LGBTQAI+ colleagues, our Rainbow network celebrates and educates on all things LGBTQAI+. They’re committed to making the Society an inclusive and safe space for all.

Social mobility network

Our network focused on social mobility. The network’s purpose is to raise awareness of and educate people around social mobility, encouraging others to share and support our work with Progress Together.

Black network

Our network for colleagues from African and Caribbean backgrounds. Their ambition is to develop individuals, share knowledge across all areas and help to shape the future for Black people.

Menopause network

Our network supporting colleagues affected by the menopause. The network gets together regularly to share experiences, struggles and support. The work they do helps us to continue to be a menopause friendly accredited organisation.

Our pledges and accreditations

Disability Confident logo

Disability Confident

Find out more
Progress Together

Progress together

Find out more

Women in finance

Find out more

Neurodiversity in Business

Find out more

BYP Network

Find out more

The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

Find out more

Race at work charter

Find out more

Pregnancy loss

Find out more

The 5% Club

Find out more

'Thank you for considering joining the Society!

I’m Rachel Macfarlane. Alongside my day job, I have the pleasure of being the Society’s Executive Sponsor for Diversity and Inclusion (D&I).

I’ve been here a few years, yet I’m still regularly amazed by the incredible work we do to make sure our members, communities and colleagues feel included. Some personal highlights this year were marching with colleagues at Warwickshire Pride in Leamington Spa and watching our networks come together to celebrate our 140 birthday – those moments felt truly special.

Our efforts are making a difference. This year, 85% of colleagues felt included, and 86% felt a sense of belonging, the highest levels we’ve ever seen.

But there’s more to do. We can’t be complacent. I’m committed to championing this cause until inclusion is a reality for everyone at the Society.'

Rachel Macfarlane
General Counsel, and Diversity and Inclusion Executive sponsor