Lloyd’s Launches Cultural Change Group, Diversity Top of The Agenda

The accusation that for decades Lloyd’s of London has been dominated by white men, especially middle aged wealthier white men, often privately educated, is something that has been around for a long time. It was undoubtedly true in the past, although the Thatcher boom years of the late 80s saw a large cohort of working class men make their mark at Lloyd’s via talent, instinct and sheer risk-taking.

However times change, and the mood music today demands that women and BAME candidates must be given senior roles. Lloyd’s has recently confirmed the membership of its independent Culture Advisory Group. The Group has been set up as part of a comprehensive action plan to drive long-term culture change in the Lloyd’s market. It will provide expert advice and robust challenge to help ensure that Lloyd’s is taking the right actions to effect sustainable and measurable change.

Membership includes leading experts with experience of successful cultural transformation including John Amaechi, psychologist and CEO of APS, Brian Dow, CEO of Mental Health UK, Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia, CEO of Salesforce UKI and Debbie Ramsay, Director at GoodCorporation.

Members of the Group representing the Lloyd’s market include the chief executives of the Lloyd’s Market Association (Sheila Cameron), the London Market Group (Clare Lebecq), the London and International Brokers’ Association (Christopher Croft), the International Underwriting Association (Dave Matcham), together with Inclusion@Lloyd’s Chair, Dominic Christian.

Chaired by Fiona Luck, Lloyd’s board member and non-executive director responsible for talent and culture, the group will provide guidance and thought leadership to support the programme of actions to address the four key themes that emerged from Lloyd’s 2019 culture survey findings.

Chair of the Lloyd’s Culture Advisory Group, Fiona Luck, said:
“We are privileged to bring together such an accomplished group of experts and industry leaders. I believe that the combination of their insights and experience along with the strong commitment from our Senior Leadership Team at Lloyd’s will drive real cultural change.

“The Culture Advisory Group will help identify measurable outcomes, critically assess progress against these outcomes and play a pivotal role in creating the aspirational culture of integrity, respect and inclusion, across the Lloyd’s market.

The Group’s inaugural meeting took place on 30 January 2020, with regular meetings being scheduled throughout the year.