LGBT GREAT LAUNCHES THE #HEREIAM ROLE MODEL CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE LGBT+ AND ALLY TALENT IN THE INVESTMENT INDUSTRY TO BECOME VISIBLE.

LGBT Great’s Role Models are LGBT+ and, or ally individuals who are working in or with the investments industry across all levels. Current role models represent over forty firms and several continents including the USA, UK, Europe and Asia. LGBT Great is working collaboratively with firms and other diversity drives such as the Diversity Project, CityHive and Investment 2020 to help transform the perception of the industry.

The #hereiam campaign features a collection of LGBT Great Role Models to highlight LGBT+ talent working in the investment industry to encourage others to come forward to demonstrate that the industry is open for LGBT+ talent. Schroders, Legal & General Investment Management, Lane Clarke & Peacock LLP, AGG Wealth Management and The Investment Association all feature in the video campaign.

LGBT Great Role Model Martin Stead, CEO of Nutmeg, is one of the industry’s only visible out c-suite leaders and in an interview with Matt Cameron he says that “At Nutmeg it is really important that we reflect the society and customers that we are serving and there are many people in society that can benefit from wealth management who don’t necessarily fit the mould of the industry”. Martin says that “being able to be yourself at work is crucial for being the best that you can be”. Stead also says that LGBT+ inclusion has had a positive impact and that “Nutmeg has been able to attract LGBT+ talent to the firm because of clear and visible organisational commitment to LGBT+ inclusion”. LGBT Great has confirmed that a number of Nutmeg’s employees have said that have joined the firm because of Martin’s authentic style and his inclusive leadership.

Colette Comerford, Head of Inclusion & Culture at Legal and General Investment Management, is a strong supporter of LGBT Great and says that “it is important that we have that visibility and that LGBT+ people feel part of a community in the industry. Fundamentally we need more LGBT people to feel part of this industry we need to support them and try find some more”. Schroders’ Alexander Ross-Parkinson adds that “I would encourage people like me to stand up and be counted, be visible and be out there”.

LGBT Great’s Project Director, Peter M. Hall is optimistic that the investment industry has a real opportunity to transform its approach to LGBT+ talent: “I am excited by the opportunity LGBT Great offers to the global investment industry to advance LGBT+ inclusion”. Peter has extensive experience in helping organisations to achieve a ranking in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

The #hereiam campaign is a visual demonstration of positive action being taken to challenge the perception of talent in the investment industry and to help create a more representative workforce.    Cameron says that “I hope that our #hereiam campaign will have a positive impact and inspire LGBT+ and ally talent to say look, here I am and inspire others to follow. I have every confidence that we can support the industry and work towards hitting our target of role modelling 1000 in 5 years. But first we much inspire those there to stand and say here I am”.