Diversity, equity and inclusion

As a global professional body with more than 34,000 members in 129 countries, we recognise, value, and embrace the importance of diversity.

We are the voice of our members and the profession in a rapidly changing world. We take bold positions on the big issues of the day and those of real consequence. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is one of them.

On this page you can read our 5-year strategy and explore our DEI news, data, and reports.

Our commitment

We are committed to championing and embodying the benefits of a globally diverse and inclusive profession, delivering lasting and ongoing cultural change. We drive this forward by working with the member-led Inclusion and Access Committee.

This allows us to listen to and learn from individuals and groups. It enables us to focus on delivering targeted initiatives, and support, to make a difference.

All employees and members are welcome to be part of their respective groups and are encouraged to join the conversation. Collaboration is central to our approach and at the heart of our decision making.

Guided by our members

Our members play a vital role in the growth of a globally diverse and inclusive profession. We are committed to ensuring that a diverse range of views and voices are amplified in the delivery of our strategy activities.

Inclusion and Access Committee

We aim to build a profession that is genuinely inclusive and accessible, for the benefit of all current and future members, volunteers and employees, wherever they are in the world.

In support of this, Council has established the Inclusion and Access Committee, which:

• Provides evidence-based advice and challenge to guide the IFoA on matters relating to inclusion and access (in line with Council’s vision for the IFoA and the wider profession, and in keeping with Council’s role as ‘voice of the membership).
• Champions involvement from the IFoA membership on matters related to inclusion and access, particularly with regards to the IFoA membership experience and opportunities for the wider actuarial profession.
• Supports the success of the IFoA’s strategy and DEI strategy, as set by the IFoA Board.

Actuarial Mentoring Programme (AMP)

AMP is a pioneering global mentoring initiative designed to improve diversity within the actuarial profession. And its impact is truly tangible, with 65% of mentees* progressing in their career.

The programme is delivered by Moving Ahead with the support of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) and sponsorship from the Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC). It features:

• cross-company approach to mentoring that brings fresh perspectives and new ideas to your organisation
• 26 hours of CPD for your employees from world leading experts, facilitators, sportspeople, and educators
• comprehensive midpoint and final reports that make it simple to demonstrate ROI to your stakeholders

Learn how AMP can support your organisation

*2021 to 2022 programme

Data and reports

As part of our DEI strategy, we are committed to publishing DEI demographic data for our key boards, and working to improve and expand the data we hold for our membership overall. Our most recent reports and data include the below.

Working with partners

We recognise the value and importance of working with other organisations and professional bodies to support, learn, and develop best practice. Find out more about some of the key organisations we work with, and how they may be able to support you, below.

Progress Together

Progress Together’s latest data report is the largest of its kind globally. It examines the link between socio-economic background and progression to the most senior and influential positions in UK financial services.

Building on the inaugural data collection in 2023, the 2024 report reveals that:

• levels of socio-economic diversity reduce as seniority increases
• those from higher socio-economic backgrounds are much more likely to be found in senior roles compared with peers from lower socio-economic backgrounds, across all combinations of gender and ethnicity

To learn more, see:

• ‘Shaping the Sector’ data report and ‘Shaping our Economy’ data report
• VOICE: A Blueprint for Inclusion in Financial Services – Progress Together

This research report brings together qualitative input from colleagues from lower socio-economic backgrounds working in the financial services in the UK. The document identifies underlying biases that hinder retention and progression of colleagues from lower socio-economic backgrounds with a set of clear recommended actions (rooted in behavioural science research) for individuals, managers and organisations to promote positive change.

Find out more about the City of London taskforce, including the:

• IFoA’s involvement: IFoA publishes UK baseline socio-economic diversity survey results
• targets set by the taskforce in its Breaking the Class Barrier Recommendations Report

Learn more about Progress Together

GAIN

GAIN (Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity) is an industry-wide initiative, committed to championing neurodiversity in the insurance, investment, and related financial services industry.

Read more about GAIN

Inclusion in Finance

Inclusion in Finance is a cross-company initiative championing a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive UK investment and savings industry.  It has over 108 members, representing more than £13 trillion assets under management and over 85,000 employees.

Find out more about Inclusion in Finance

2023-2024 impact report

Cognitive diversity in asset management