The role of an Inclusion @ Lloyds Partner Network
A guest blog from Erik Johnson
Erik Johnson is an avid volunteer and passionate advocate for all things Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). He was a founding Co-Chair of Link (LGBT Insurance Network), the Insurance Institute of London’s first Diversity Champion, and a founding Steering Committee member of iCAN (Insurance Cultural Awareness Network). He currently sits on the Inclusion@Lloyd’s committee and leads its Partner Network Initiative, is a Council and ExCo member of the Insurance Institute of London, and steering committee member of iDAWN (Insurance Disability, Ability, and Wellness Network). And as if that isn’t enough to squeeze in, Eriks day job is as a deputy active underwriter for Victor Syndicate 2288.
“CEO’s often ask me what Inclusion@Lloyd’s (“I@L”) Partner Network initiative is, why I volunteer to lead the initiative, and how their firm can get involved. So here’s an insight as to why I am so passionate about I@L, and what value I think it can bring to everyone working in the industry.
“The idea for I@L’s Partner Network initiative came out of the first Dive In Festival back in 2015. Seeing the collaboration at those events and noticing how groups of volunteers can come together to drive change in specific areas of diversity, I thought it would be great if we took that spirit and set up a network to bring together the existing industry diversity networks all year round, as well as encourage the formation of new ones. I’m really proud that there are now six I@L Partner Networks:
“I bring these networks together a few times a year and we share ideas, collaborate on key initiatives, and celebrate our successes. I love bringing all the networks together to drive inclusion across the industry – it reminds us all that we have more in common than we first think, and helps us to share our own experiences to avoid reinventing the wheel.
“The Partner Networks consistently amaze me with their energy, ideas, and optimism. They have collaborated on panel discussions, brought different perspectives to key issues like diversity data, and joined forces to create a toolkit for firms on the best way to collect and use that data.”
“This collaborative spirit sees real results as well – gender focussed events where the percentage of male attendees has significantly increased and more white people actively engaging in the conversation about race and ethnicity. Dive In 2020 is no exception with many Partner Networks working together to deliver virtual events that tackle issues around how to use your ‘privilege’ across diversity strands.
So, what’s next for the Inclusion @ Lloyd’s Partner Networks?
“I’d love to see more firms in the sector create partnerships with these networks, helping to reach an even wider audience and promoting networks offerings to their own employees. Connections have already helped internal diversity councils with HR policy reviews, recruitment, and encouraging debate and challenging thinking through the diverse calendar of events. If you are reading this and your firm hasn’t connected with some of the Partner Networks, it’s not too late! I challenge you to contact me today and we can facilitate the intros - you never know where things may lead!
“Ideally we’d all like to work in an industry where we don’t need diversity networks – an industry that is inclusive and diverse.”
“That doesn’t mean there won’t be a need for a focus on inclusion, but that the industry will have tackled barriers that exist around attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. To achieve this, the industry will have to have embedded ‘inclusion’ in business as usual, with data on diversity and employees’ feelings around inclusion driving decisions. The reality is this is likely more than a decade away, and we will only get there with the support of groups like GIN. I believe the Partner Networks are key to achieving this future - collaboration, breaking down silos, and innovating will help us get there faster.”
Erik Johnson has worked in the insurance industry for 18 years and is a passionate advocate for Diversity & Inclusion, and ambassador for GIN
Erik Johnson has worked in the insurance industry for 18 years and is a passionate advocate for Diversity & Inclusion, and ambassador for GIN
Quick fire questions
How is insurance making the world a better place?
We help people and businesses be resilient, they can take risk with the knowledge that we will help them recover if things go wrong.
What would people find most surprising about you?
I trained as a professional ballet dancer with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet and am a qualified Highland dance teacher!