A member of the UK government’s Disability Confident employer scheme,
Zurich Insurance has been recognised for its diversity and inclusion efforts, winning the APCRG (All-Party Parliamentary Corporate Responsibility Group) National Responsible Business Champion award for 2017.
The firm, nominated by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, was chosen by a Parliamentary judging panel and presented with the award by the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Sarah Newton MP, at a reception in Parliament. Other nominated firms included Standard Life Aberdeen, which came in second; Thanet Earth, third; and Anglian Water Services Ltd, intu Properties, and Marks and Spencer Plc, which were highly commended by the panel.
“This award is a great way to encourage and reward action from employers who create inclusive workplaces,” said Newton. “I congratulate Zurich Insurance, one of our Disability Confident employers, for their innovative work to support disabled employees.”
Jonathan Djanogly MP, co-chair at APCRG, noted: “Over the last two years, the Swindon MPs, Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland, have both strongly commended the work of Zurich Insurance to us for its excellent volunteering scheme, its generous financial support for good causes, and its apprenticeship scheme. Clearly this is an excellent company which is hugely supportive of both its employees and its local community.
“This year, when we were particularly looking for companies that excel in nurturing the health and wellbeing of their employees and supporting diversity and inclusion, the judges were very impressed by what Justin Tomlinson told us about its wellbeing programme, which supports the physical and mental health of its employees; and above all its efforts to become more diverse and inclusive.”
Aside from being a Disability Confident employer, Zurich also supports the Inspiring Young Disabled People’s Programme.
“We all have a part to play in creating a cultural change to enable everyone who wants to work to realise their full potential,” added Newton.
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