Modern Insurance Magazine Issue 62

FEATURES
Dive In’s
‘Below the Surface’
Event Shines a
Light on Insurance
Industry’s Diversity
and Inclusion
Challenges
At Markel’s offices in the heart of
Fenchurch, Dive In, one of the world’s
largest diversity, equity, and inclusion
festivals, hosted an event called
‘Below the Surface - The Unspoken
Side of Insurance’. It brought to
light the hidden diversity, equity and
inclusion complexities within the
insurance industry.
The event, presented by The Communication Practice, a drama-based training
company with a focus on fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense
of belonging (DEIB) within the workplace, was far from your typical industry
event. It took the form of a dynamic workshop, drawing insights from research
conducted across the Lloyd’s Partner Networks.
The research findings were revealing, with 24% of survey respondents feeling
that they couldn’t be their authentic selves at work, and 22% sensing that their
true voices went unheard. With these statistics as a backdrop, the event aimed
to:
• Uncover diverse perspectives and experiences of marginalised individuals in
the insurance field.
• Shed light on perceived barriers and challenges that hinder professional
growth.
• Encourage attendees to take personal actions to challenge workplace biases
and become advocates for others.
One impactful segment featured actors delivering statements derived from
Dive In’s research, underscoring issues such as the industry’s perception as oldfashioned,
and the struggles of those who don’t conform to established norms.
Attendees engaged in a thought-provoking theatrical performance simulating
a one-on-one meeting between a boss, ‘Gary,’ and a junior team member,
‘Richard,’ struggling with ineffective communication. The audience actively
discussed ways in which Gary could have improved the situation, emphasising
the importance of active listening, body language, and making Richard feel
valued.
In breakout sessions, attendees tackled real-life case studies involving actors
facing industry difficulties, including a female executive feeling undermined
by male colleagues and a Muslim mother dealing with workplace inclusivity
challenges due to differences in social activities. Attendees grappled with finding
solutions and acknowledged the need for broader cultural change.
Attendees were also encouraged to reflect on their ‘lightbulb moments’ and
commit to immediate changes in their approach to inclusivity. Organisers
encouraged attendees to introspect and asked critical questions such as:
• Are you genuinely an active ally?
• Do you challenge bad behaviour and recruitment decisions based on ‘gut
instinct’?
• Are you investing in your own development to confront biases?
• How are you contributing to diverse hiring?
• Who are you personally sponsoring and pushing forward within your
organisation?
• Do you regularly review diversity statistics for your team or organisation?
• Are you objective when considering the skills and capabilities of team
members for promotions or new projects?
• Have you provided training to make the workplace more inclusive?
Organisers also shared inclusive communication tips, advocating:
• The need to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.
• ‘Be the change;’ step outside of your comfort zone.
• That diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn’t solely HR’s responsibility! Be
prepared to lead from the front.
In his closing remarks, Bruce Carnegie Brown, Chairman of Lloyd’s of London,
commended the presenters for their practical approach to diversity and
inclusion.
He emphasised that inclusion should not be academic but practical and
actionable, urging attendees to spread the message beyond the event’s
confines.
The event illuminated the often-overlooked aspects of the insurance sector.
It provided a platform for open dialogue, learning, and reflection on creating
a more inclusive industry, exemplifying the spirit of Dive In and the ongoing
commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within the insurance industry.
This event was sponsored by Dive In Global Festival Partners: BMS, Lloyd’s,
Markel, Tokio Marine Kiln, and MS Amlin.
46 | MODERN INSURANCE