Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is becoming increasingly important within the industry, with a consultation on the subject being carried out by the FCA in December 2023, and a key report from the University of Nottingham / Browne Jacobson highlighting that there is still some way to go until we can truly call ourselves diverse, equitable and inclusive.
The MGAA are at the heart of D,E&I in the MGA sector, and as such are delighted to host an exclusive Roundtable. This is together with our training partners Searchlight, and focusses on experiences, successes and challenges within D,E&I, such as:
- Progress on DE&I in the workplace, and its impact
- How those on the Roundtable got involved in DE&I and why is it important to them
- Any challenges Roundtable members have come up against and how these were overcome
- What actionable steps can other MGAs take to make their workplace more inclusive?
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more in this vital area!
Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, delegates will be able to:
- List the main benefits of a strong D,E&I culture in the workplace
- Describe any challenges in D,E&I culture and how these have been overcome
- Explain the steps that can be taken to make your workplace more inclusive
About the Presenters
Searchlight – Tom Wood
An innovative and inspiring business development manager working within UKGI Group companies for over fifteen years. Highly experienced in product proposition and design, together with sales and service delivery. Tom maintains Searchlight’s key client and partner relationships across the insurance sector.
IHRS – Holly Mapstone
Holly is an HR Consultant with IHRS, and Associate of CIPD with extensive Board level HR experience, including at HR Director level (FCA certified). Her pragmatic and agile approach combined with strong operational, strategic, and commercial experience delivers business improvements and cost savings, whilst driving up employee engagement. Her passion to create resilient and positive cultures will engage your teams and influence the business to execute excellence. Holly has extensive experience with multi-site operational HR management.
Loadsure – Kate Lawson
Kate Lawson joined Loadsure in January 2021, bringing with her over 20 years of experience. She started from reception and steadily progressed through various roles, always with a focus on supporting the HR function. Now serving as the Head of People and Culture at Loadsure, Kate is dedicated to creating a unique and inclusive culture within the organization. She is committed to championing D,E&I, ensuring that these values are deeply ingrained in the company’s everyday practices, not just buzzwords. Kate’s journey serves as a testament to the dynamic and supportive environment that Loadsure offers, where individuals can balance career growth with personal commitments seamlessly.
Davies – Gillie Fairbrother
As Group Director of ESG at Davies, and champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Gillie holds a strong passion for creating an environment where people from all walks of life feel valued, accepted, and can thrive. Having just celebrated her first year at Davies, Gillie has worked on developing and launching many progressive people policies, as well as spearheading the 2024 ESG strategy, People, Planet, Purpose, where her innovative DE&I initiatives make up one-third of the new strategy. Outside of her professional pursuits, Gillie can frequently be found teaching yoga and offering coaching, guest speaking on podcasts, and working as a listening volunteer for a national LGBTQIA+ helpline, Switchboard.
AXA – Charlotte Cuenot
Charlotte is a Risk Reporting Manager at AXA UK and is responsible for creating and coordinating consistent risk reporting across all areas of the risk landscape, and for supporting the wider Risk & Compliance function on engagement and communications. Since November 2022, Charlotte has been Deputy Chair of Balance, AXA’s Employee Network for gender equality and working families, helping to make AXA an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. Throughout her involvement in the Balance Network, her focus has been on improving access to mentoring and development through the network’s Speed Mentoring programme, tackling topics such as imposter syndrome and returning to work after parental leave. She won Young Insurance Woman of the Year at the Women in Insurance Awards in 2023.
Padda Consulting – Suneeta Padda
Suneeta Padda is the dynamic founder of Padda Consulting and more recently Ever Comply, boasting over a decade of unparalleled expertise in the insurance sector. Holding distinguished senior roles at firms such as Howden Broking Group, XL Catlin, and Lloyd’s, Suneeta’s pragmatic approach to compliance has always been rooted in a deep understanding of both business and regulatory landscapes. An active advocate for diversity and inclusion, Suneeta has been a pivotal Advisory Board member since 2020, collaborating with esteemed insurance leaders of colour through RATL (Race Action Through Leadership). Her mission? To amplify voices and influence change across the industry. This commitment is further underscored by her association with the Independent Women in Insurance Network and her membership with the Worshipful Company of Insurers. Additionally, Suneeta extends her expertise to upcoming talent, mentoring Next Gen talent.
RSA – Gemma Jackson
Gemma Jackson is Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for RSA, with responsibility for developing and executing inclusive strategies that supports the business in reaching its ambitions to outperform in the insurance sector. She joined RSA in 2007 and has worked in roles across Underwriting, Leadership and Learning & Development before moving into DEI in 2021. Gemma is passionate about creating an equitable environment, where individuals from all backgrounds feel a sense of belonging and are able to thrive in the workplace.
East Kent Underwriting – Amy Blackshaw
Amy Blackshaw is Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Nelson Policies at Lloyd’s and East Kent Underwriting Limited. Amy started her career in the Insurance industry in 2007 and took on the role of Deputy Managing Director of Nelson Policies in 2014. Amy led the acquisition of East Kent Underwriting Ltd in 2014 and became Chief Executive Officer of The Nelson Group in January 2022, overseeing both Nelson Policies at Lloyd’s and East Kent Underwriting Limited across all functions of the business. Amy was proudly awarded the MGA Professional of the Year at the Women in Insurance Awards 2022.
Markerstudy – Lizzie Smith-Foreman
Following a Master’s degree in Marketing, Lizzie commenced her marketing career with Denplan (now part of Simplyhealth Group) in the mid 90’s. She joined Groupama Insurances (a subsidiary of Ageas) as a Marketing Brand Manager from 2000 to 2007 and then took a short break to focus on her young family. Lizzie joined Markerstudy in 2010 as Head of Group Marketing and Communications, adding Sustainability to her remit in 2021. She is currently the Chief Marketing, Communications and Sustainability Officer for Markerstudy Group, which includes Markerstudy Insurance Services Limited, the largest UK MGA.
