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QBE European Operations

QBE SUSTAINABILITY

Being inclusive

We are all different & embracing each other's differences makes us stronger

Delivering a clear message

We know that diversity of thought, background and experience enables better decision making, improves the quality of our delivery and helps us to meet the needs of our customers. Our vision is to empower our people to be their best by creating an environment where everyone's contribution and voice is valued, where we have a collective sense of purpose and a community of empowered individuals working collaboratively.

Our Inclusion & Diversity strategy is based on 3 core pillars and we are committed to driving change across each of these;


1. Diverse Workforce – We know diversity is good for us now and in the future. We drive leadership representation and a diverse pipeline of talent
2. Inclusive Workplace – We fundamentally believe everyone should be included. We build inclusive capabilities, listen to our people, and support flexibility and wellbeing
3. Connected Marketplace – We are a positive influence for societal change. We encourage a diverse supply chain, and endeavour to support and enhance equitable access for our diverse customer base.

The QBE Employee Network Groups

Working towards gender equality

Working towards gender equality

QBE Circle is an active employee network dedicated to breaking down gender bias, stereotypes and the promotion of gender equality and fairness for all. In 2020 we opened up a conversation around Menopause to raise awareness and provide the right level of support for staff. More broadly, QBE is committed to improving gender equality and we are taking a range of measures to recruit, develop and retain more female candidates, while making sure they are getting the opportunities they deserve. We have a target of achieving at least 40% women in leadership by the end of 2025. QBE is a signatory to both the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and HM Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter.

Find out more about HM Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter
Celebrating ethnic diversity

Celebrating ethnic diversity

In 2019, we formed a new employee network called Mix to encourage and celebrate ethnic diversity at QBE, as well as raising awareness about issues faced by ethnic minorities in the workplace. We strongly believe that ethnic diversity adds value to our organisation by helping us to attract and retain the very best talent, foster innovation and meet the needs of diverse clients in today’s global environment. The network has successfully piloted a reverse mentoring scheme to educate colleagues around challenges people face and introduced a School Partnership programme to encourage students from ethically diverse backgrounds to experience the working world of insurance. “MIX helps us embrace new perspectives, and raise awareness and understanding of the vibrant cultural environment we have within QBE. It celebrates cultural heritage and diversity and brings people of all backgrounds together.” says Joe Gordon, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Sponsor of Mix.

Find out more about the targets we’ve set to improve ethnic representation and accelerate change
It's OK not to be OK

It's OK not to be OK

QBE Open Mind was established in 2019 to challenge workplace stigma about mental health and to make it easier for those who need help to feel comfortable asking for it, provide the right support to all employees and to send the message that it's OK not to be OK. Establishing Open Mind continues the great strides QBE has made in supporting our people's mental health, recognising it is a critical factor in being able to bring their whole selves to work. It's no longer reasonable - or realistic - to expect people to leave their problems at the door, and we have a duty of care to support anyone who may be struggling. “I wanted to get involved personally so I could learn more about mental health and also help break down the taboo in the workplace. I would like to play a part in creating a culture where it is OK to say you are not OK and get the support you need.” says Nick Hankin, Chief Underwriting Office and Executive Sponsor Open Mind network.

An inclusive and diverse workplace

An inclusive and diverse workplace

QBE Pride exists to promote and support an open and inclusive workplace culture where diversity is acknowledged, respected and celebrated. QBE Pride draws on the unique backgrounds and experiences of LGBT+ employees and allies to build an inclusive workplace, and to give everyone the confidence to bring their whole selves to work. From organising annual Pride events, to writing QBE's Gender Affirmation and Transition guidelines, to jumping up the rankings in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index, we've kept ourselves busy, with plenty more to do! Our Vision is for: QBE to be recognised as a business where all employees are respected and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. All our colleagues to be informed and confident operating within an open inclusive workplace. QBE to be an employer of choice for LGBT+ people.

Supporting colleagues with disabilities

Supporting colleagues with disabilities

The QBE Workability network, which was set up in 2016, plays a crucial role in promoting awareness of physical disability and neurodiverse conditions as well as providing support to those affected. In 2018, QBE joined the government’s Disability Confident scheme, signalling its commitment to recruiting and retaining those affected by both visible and invisible disabilities. We recognise that a large number of our workforce have caring responsibilities, and in 2021, we progressed to level 2 of the Carers Confident scheme. “Our message is that if you face challenges in your life around health, you are still a valued employee,” says Chris Killourhy, Chief Finance Officer and Executive Sponsor for the network. “We want an inclusive and supportive culture where no one feels isolated.”

Partnerships

Partnerships

We are proud to have partnerships with organisations such as Stonewall and Working Families, and our commitment to the Women in Finance Charter, the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and Race at Work charter helps keep us accountable and transparent.

The QBE Employee Network Groups

Working towards gender equality

Working towards gender equality

QBE Circle is an active employee network dedicated to breaking down gender bias, stereotypes and the promotion of gender equality and fairness for all. In 2020 we opened up a conversation around Menopause to raise awareness and provide the right level of support for staff. More broadly, QBE is committed to improving gender equality and we are taking a range of measures to recruit, develop and retain more female candidates, while making sure they are getting the opportunities they deserve. We have a target of achieving at least 40% women in leadership by the end of 2025. QBE is a signatory to both the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and HM Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter.

Find out more about HM Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter
Celebrating ethnic diversity

Celebrating ethnic diversity

In 2019, we formed a new employee network called Mix to encourage and celebrate ethnic diversity at QBE, as well as raising awareness about issues faced by ethnic minorities in the workplace. We strongly believe that ethnic diversity adds value to our organisation by helping us to attract and retain the very best talent, foster innovation and meet the needs of diverse clients in today’s global environment. The network has successfully piloted a reverse mentoring scheme to educate colleagues around challenges people face and introduced a School Partnership programme to encourage students from ethically diverse backgrounds to experience the working world of insurance. “MIX helps us embrace new perspectives, and raise awareness and understanding of the vibrant cultural environment we have within QBE. It celebrates cultural heritage and diversity and brings people of all backgrounds together.” says Joe Gordon, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Sponsor of Mix.

Find out more about the targets we’ve set to improve ethnic representation and accelerate change
It's OK not to be OK

It's OK not to be OK

QBE Open Mind was established in 2019 to challenge workplace stigma about mental health and to make it easier for those who need help to feel comfortable asking for it, provide the right support to all employees and to send the message that it's OK not to be OK. Establishing Open Mind continues the great strides QBE has made in supporting our people's mental health, recognising it is a critical factor in being able to bring their whole selves to work. It's no longer reasonable - or realistic - to expect people to leave their problems at the door, and we have a duty of care to support anyone who may be struggling. “I wanted to get involved personally so I could learn more about mental health and also help break down the taboo in the workplace. I would like to play a part in creating a culture where it is OK to say you are not OK and get the support you need.” says Nick Hankin, Chief Underwriting Office and Executive Sponsor Open Mind network.

An inclusive and diverse workplace

An inclusive and diverse workplace

QBE Pride exists to promote and support an open and inclusive workplace culture where diversity is acknowledged, respected and celebrated. QBE Pride draws on the unique backgrounds and experiences of LGBT+ employees and allies to build an inclusive workplace, and to give everyone the confidence to bring their whole selves to work. From organising annual Pride events, to writing QBE's Gender Affirmation and Transition guidelines, to jumping up the rankings in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index, we've kept ourselves busy, with plenty more to do! Our Vision is for: QBE to be recognised as a business where all employees are respected and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. All our colleagues to be informed and confident operating within an open inclusive workplace. QBE to be an employer of choice for LGBT+ people.

Supporting colleagues with disabilities

Supporting colleagues with disabilities

The QBE Workability network, which was set up in 2016, plays a crucial role in promoting awareness of physical disability and neurodiverse conditions as well as providing support to those affected. In 2018, QBE joined the government’s Disability Confident scheme, signalling its commitment to recruiting and retaining those affected by both visible and invisible disabilities. We recognise that a large number of our workforce have caring responsibilities, and in 2021, we progressed to level 2 of the Carers Confident scheme. “Our message is that if you face challenges in your life around health, you are still a valued employee,” says Chris Killourhy, Chief Finance Officer and Executive Sponsor for the network. “We want an inclusive and supportive culture where no one feels isolated.”

Partnerships

Partnerships

We are proud to have partnerships with organisations such as Stonewall and Working Families, and our commitment to the Women in Finance Charter, the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and Race at Work charter helps keep us accountable and transparent.