The continuing low numbers of women working within the financial services industry has been a topic of much debate since the financial crash.
In a Parliamentary written answer yesterday (January 5th), Maria Eagle MP, Minister of State for the Ministry of Justice, stated “the Government are committed to increasing the representation of women in senior positions.”
She added that the Government Equalities Office will be creating a partnership with business organisations, trade bodies and recruitment firms to encourage companies to commit to their own internal targets and actions to increase diversity in senior positions.
Chris Richards, Policy Advisor to the REC Accounting and Financial Services Group said of this Government move: “The REC created the new Accounting and Financial Services Group to ensure that all recruiters in these fields are properly consulted on developments such as those aimed at increasing the number of women in senior positions in financial services. The REC Accounting and Financial Services Group will work with the Government Equalities Office and other business bodies to ensure that future actions and targets are suitable and achievable.”
Commenting on the role recruitment agencies play in promoting diversity Philip Curry, the REC’s External Relations Advisor said: “Recruiters have a proactive role in helping their clients diversify their workforces. Their skills and contacts mean that they can draw on a wide pool of candidates. Many top city firms are already working with their head hunters and recruiters to diversify their work forces. The REC uses its Diversity and Inclusion Forum to engage our members in best practice in this area.”
