Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Explore our DEI strategy, news, blogs, data and reports, member activity, and resources

 

As a global professional body with more than 32,000 members in over 100 different 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 Diversity Action Group, our internal DEI colleague group, partners, employers, and our global membership.

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.

Our DEI strategy

Our DEI strategy

Leadership and culture, entry into the profession, actuarial work, and how we support our members.

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Recent activity
Pride blog series

Pride blog series

Members from the LGBTQ+ community share their experiences
Read their stories
IFoA gender pay gap report 2024

IFoA gender pay gap report 2024

Learn about the gender pay gap at the IFoA. PDF, 1.9 MB
Read report
‘think’ edition 3: Tackling the gender pensions gap – the road to financial equality in retirement

‘think’ edition 3: Tackling the gender pensions gap – the road to financial equality in retirement

Our third publication in the ‘think’ series has been authored by Now:Pensions.
Read issue 3
‘think’ edition 2: Much to GAIN – valuing neurodiversity in the workplace

‘think’ edition 2: Much to GAIN – valuing neurodiversity in the workplace

Our second publication in the ‘think’ series is by Dr Vina Theodorakopoulou, a behavioural economist.
Read issue 2
FRC gender imbalance research

FRC gender imbalance research

Our statement on the Financial Reporting Council’s research on gender imbalance among UK qualified actuaries.

Read statement
IFoA responds to FCA and PRA D&I consultations

IFoA responds to FCA and PRA D&I consultations

10 January 24
Read more

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.

Diversity Action Group

Our work on diversity is supported by the Diversity Action Group, comprised of volunteer IFoA members.

“We have made some important steps forward in the last 2.5 years since the launch of the IFoA DEI Strategy. In this time, the Diversity Action Group (DAG) has taken on the role of working collaboratively with the IFoA to support the implementation of the strategy and acting as a critical friend. When the strategy was launched, we envisaged a profession that was accessible and inclusive, and where all actuaries – current and future – can thrive. This was never going to be a short-term initiative, and the challenge is to maintain progress. The Diversity Action Group looks forward to further engaging with members alongside the IFoA on its continued path in the years ahead.

– Chika Aghadiuno, Chair of the DAG managing committee

Learn more about the Diversity Action Group

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

“Our ambition is high, and we are seeking to be bold” – Chika Aghadiuno, Chair of the Diversity Action Group managing committee

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.

 

Gender pay gap report

All our gender pay gap reports from when we first reported on the IFoA gender pay gap in 2019.
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Diversity of our key boards: 2024

We have a commitment to annually publish the aggregate DEI demographic data of our key boards. PDF, 740 KB
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Diversity monitoring report 2021

Reporting on the diversity of the profession. PDF, 820 KB

Read report
Blogs and resources
The VLE’s DEI hub

The VLE’s DEI hub

The VLE’s DEI hub pulls together the best of the IFoA’s latest resources and events on the topic.

Explore resources
The value of neurodiversity to financial services

The value of neurodiversity to financial services

Actuary and neurodiversity consultant, Alicja Nocon, blogs on attracting and retaining neurodiverse talent.

Learn more
DEI blogs

DEI blogs

Insights and reflections on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Read more

The IFoA and its members have long had a deep and abiding belief in diversity, equity, and inclusion, rooted in our commitment to act in the public interest and for the good of society. Embracing diversity of thought and perspective is essential to the role of an actuary. – IFoA DEI strategy

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:

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:

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

Diversity Project

The Diversity Project 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 Diversity Project and read its latest impact report.

“We are embracing a progressive DEI strategy that considers our varied stakeholders as it is the right thing to do.” – Marjorie Ngwenya, IFoA President 2018 to 2019

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