Virgin Money CEO, Jayne-Anne Gadhia has been appointed by the government as the official Women in Finance Champion.
Gadhia’s appointment aims to promote the Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter and the benefits of a diverse workforce across the UK’s financial services sector.
The government is also hoping to increase the number of FinTech firms, payments companies and investment banks signing up to the charter and Gadhia will play a key role in making this happen.
The Women in Finance Charter is a pledge made by companies for gender balance across the financial services. The Charter asks companies to have one member of their senior executive team who is responsible for gender diversity; to set internal targets for gender diversity; to publish annual targets in reports; and to have the intention to ensure the pay of the senior executive team is linked to their internal targets.
The Charter has seen 22 new firms pledge to improve gender diversity at a senior level. These new signatories include major financial services firms such as Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Jupiter Asset Management, Zurich Insurance, Allied Irish Bank UK, State Street, the Financial Ombudsman Service, and the trading arm of BP.
The total number of companies signed up to the Charter now stands at 93.
Speaking of her appointment, Gadhia said, “I am delighted to be appointed the government’s Women in Finance Champion.”
“We need to continue to manage the flow of female talent to leadership positions in financial services so that it properly reflects the diversity of our society.”
“It is fantastic that 93 firms have now signed up to the Women in Finance Charter.”
“Such widespread support of the charter will make a genuine difference to gender diversity and help to create a fair and balanced financial services sector.”
“It is important to keep the momentum going and recognise the strong link between greater gender balance and improved productivity and performance.”
Philip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said, “It is great news that almost 100 firms have signed the Women in Finance Charter and are now dedicating themselves to tackling gender inequality.”
“But there is still further to go.”
“The UK leads the world in financial services, but it can be even better.”
“I want to see a diverse sector run by talented women as well as men, to help secure Britain’s place as a globally competitive economy. The business case is obvious, and the best firms already get this.”
“I urge more businesses to commit to the charter – to commit to building an economy that works for everyone.”