In a highly competitive field, OneFamily was highly commended for its contribution to diversity and inclusion (D&I) excellence. The past 12 months has been a landmark period for the UK mutual insurer as it was the first time it employed a strategic focus on D&I.

This focus has included appointing an executive sponsor for each pillar of D&I, i.e. gender, multigenerational, LGBTQ+, race, social mobility and disability. A mentor programme for female talent to support internal promotion into senior roles has also been launched as a continuation of the mutual's involvement in the Women in Finance Charter.

In addition, employees have completed unconscious bias training and joined webinars on "traditionally taboo" subjects, such as the menopause, mental health, racism, and homophobia. The firm adds each of these sessions have been supported and attended by OneFamily's CEO Teddy Nyahasha.

"This is who we are and what we do," said Alison Knocker, people services director at OneFamily.

"We're clear about our commitments, honest about areas where we might fall short, accountable for addressing them and will educate ourselves when we need to.

"We want to ensure that we provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all our colleagues, our customers, and the communities that we serve."

Knocker adds the insurance sector must celebrate and promote the positive steps insurers are taking in a bid to improve D&I and it must talk about taboo subjects in order to "get comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable".

Structural changes in the sector are also needed, according to Knocker.

"At an organisational level, it's crucial to have advocates around the business to ensure that representation is visible at all levels.

"This will come from ensuring diversity at the interview shortlist stage, the removal of unconscious bias from the recruitment process and the targeting of specific groups for roles to support social mobility.

"Educating managers is key, so that they feel able to have supportive and empowering conversations with their teams. People should feel confident in bringing their true selves to work."