Direct Line Group are proud to have become signatories to the Tech Talent Charter and are committed to delivering even greater diversity within the business.

The charter’s ultimate goal is that the UK tech sector becomes truly inclusive and a reflection of the society which it represents. They focus on the how, not just the why of inclusion and we bring communities together and support the underrepresented.

Backed by the Government, the charter aligns with the Group’s diversity and inclusion aims and ambitions. Already ahead of the Hampton-Alexander target for FTSE 350 companies to have at least 33% women on their board and in leadership positions by 2020, the Group has two of its top technology jobs, Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology Officer held by women.

Diversity and inclusion are a top priority for Direct Line Group who are also signatories of the Women in Finance Charter. By introducing initiatives such as gender balanced shortlists and gender decoders, they can reduce barriers that ensure the right person gets the job.

Sarah Greasley, Chief Technology Officer at Direct Line Group said, “We are delighted to be signatories of the Tech Talent Charter as it is very closely aligned with the approach that we have been taking at Direct Line Group to build diversity throughout our company. As we move to a more customer centric world, understanding all your customers will become even more of a source of competitive advantage, and we can only achieve this by having a representative and diverse workforce.

“Through participation in this charter, we will be able to make a real difference in shaping the future agenda for women in technology, and early intervention is key particularly through attracting more people in STEM subjects and highlighting the exciting opportunities and possibilities of a career in tech”.

Direct Line Group have also invested heavily in leadership programmes where potential talent is put forward for further training to help support them progress through their career.

Through participation of this industry wide initiative, the Group will be joining a huge number of other companies who have pledged to carry out similar work. All signatories will have different starting points depending on the level of diversity within their organisation, and all will implement their own strategies for change, based on the organisation’s needs. Companies will be able to collaborate to develop, share and implement protocols and best practice for the practical implementation of the charter.

Debbie Forster, CEO at Tech Talent Charter commented, “It’s vital for the industry to come together as a whole to do more to show females that a career in technology is incredibly rewarding, to increase the number of females working within the industry, to attract people who are considering a career change, and to encourage younger generations to consider these careers from the word go. One single company can’t do it alone, which is why we’re asking organisations to pledge their support for the Tech Talent Charter and join us on our exciting journey. For more information please go to https://techtalentcharter.co.uk/”

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Jade Trimbee

Senior Manager - Corporate and Financial

External Affairs

Tel: 01372 839 452

Mobile: 07825 315 931

Email: [email protected]

 

Direct Line Insurance Group plc

Direct Line Group is headquartered in Bromley. Through its number of well-known brands the Group offers a wide range of general insurance products to consumers. These brands include Direct Line, Churchill and Privilege. The Group also provides insurance services for third parties through its partnership’s division, Direct Line Group Partnerships. In the commercial sector, the Group's NIG and Direct Line for Business operations offer insurance products for businesses distributed through brokers or direct, respectively.

www.directlinegroup.co.uk