Covéa Insurance is determined to promote diversity in the industry with CEO James Reader himself making a personal commitment to help close the gender gap in the business.
A signatory to the Women in Finance Charter, Covéa aims to increase the representation of women in its senior positions by 30% over the next five years.
“Striving to achieve a truly gender-balanced organisation is absolutely key to ensuring we can achieve our longer-term growth aspirations and continue to successfully meet our customers’ needs,” Reader says.
Covéa claims that it is making “great strides” on its diversity commitment, setting specific targets for its executive directors to improve gender balance. The insurer says it has also developed a mentoring scheme to support all staff in reaching their full potential, while promoting insurance as a fulfilling and rewarding career option for females.
Several initiatives aimed at reducing the gender gap in senior positions are already underway, according to the company. These include an overhaul of the company’s flexible working policy and the promotion of flexible working for all.
The insurer has also dedicated a programme for employees taking extended maternity or paternity leave, providing coaching and additional support to help them integrate back into the business on their return. The firm has also launched a female development and networking group “Inspire Leading Women.”
Stressing the company’s commitments to gender equality, Covéa has announced that its personal lines director, Carol Geldard, has been nominated for the Insurance Leader of the Year title at the 2017 Women in Finance Awards, which is considered the industry’s largest diversity initiative.
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