Welcome to the Spring Edition of the People Matter Newsletter. This edition focuses on the dynamic landscape of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). While cultural debates continue, EDI remains a top priority for many organisations.
At City HR, we’re leading these conversations. Highlights include:
- Our first 2025 EDI Roundtable, chaired by Cliodhna O’Carroll (Wells Fargo) and Claire Harvey (TP ICAP), encouraged practical, business-focused EDI approaches over buzzword battles.
- Members joined CIPD focus groups to explore renewed emphasis on Equity.
- A House of Lords discussion with Talking Talent (recent sponsors of City HR) underlined that real change must be driven by leadership – not just regulation or client pressure.
- While the FCA and PRA won’t move forward with proposed EDI reporting rules, the FCA will join our CPO symposium in July meeting to explain their decision.
- Members are invited to engage as the Government seeks feedback on expanding Gender Pay Gap reporting to cover Ethnicity and Disability.
Also in this issue:
- Expert insights on inclusive recruitment, US D&I legislation, Employee Resource Groups and AI’s impact on diversity.
- Don’t miss our latest “Women in Leadership” podcast episode featuring Helen Farr, Samantha Manning, and Emma Spitz.
We hope this edition sparks ideas and actions to strengthen your EDI work.
What does it mean to be ‘inclusive’ in recruitment?
What does it really mean to be inclusive in recruitment, and how can it make an impact? In today’s competitive talent market, where diverse candidates expect fairness and transparency, inclusive recruitment isn’t just a buzzword, it’s an imperative. In this blog, Addison Barnett from Inclusive Employers shares insights and best practices from organisations leading the way in attracting, hiring, and retaining diverse talent.
How can UK employers navigate the global changes in diversity and inclusion?
Diversity and inclusion initiatives are receiving scrutiny worldwide. It’s never been more crucial for UK employers to be aware of their existing legal and regulatory obligations regarding diversity and inclusion. A new article by Fox Williams explains how UK employers with US operations can stay compliant and ready for the future. Read more below.
Are your Employee Resource Groups preventing ED&I progress?
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are growing in size and influence. Sometimes though, their passionate pursuit of a specific aim creates conflict with other committees, and this can undermine an organisation’s wider ED&I agenda. CEO Nick McClelland argues how ERGs must work together to combat the current challenges and prove a clear business benefit.
Safeguarding diversity in an AI world
AI offers new opportunities to improve diversity, equity and inclusion – but also presents risks. Mercer’s latest article discusses how employers can use AI responsibly while protecting underrepresented groups from unintended bias.
Celebrating Queer Voices in HR
On March 13th, ProudHR hosted its first in-person event of 2025 “Women in a Changing World”. Over 80 HR professionals consisting of members of the Queer community and allies, gathered for an inspiring evening of discussion. An all-female panel shared their personal experiences of today’s political landscape as a Queer community member and its impact on their careers and personal lives. Central to the event were ProudHR’s core principles, including the launch of a new charity fund supporting MindOut and The Global Butterflies Fund. Please read more below.
Reimagining Inclusion in Financial Services
It’s a defining moment for the financial services industry regarding its diversity, equity and inclusion journey. With cultural narratives shifting and regulatory landscapes evolving, there is an opportunity to transform challenges into meaningful change. A new article from Talking Talent highlights how this can be done with authenticity and care. Click the link to read more.
Members Only Content
Equality Bill Updates: What you need to know
In 2024, the King’s Speech outlined the UK Government’s legislative agenda. PwC have provided a summary of the government consultations on the Equality Bill, including the consultation on extending the pay gap reporting to ethnicity and disability, for employers with more than 250 employees. Click below to find out more.
Podcast: Women in Leadership
Our latest podcast focuses on the topic of ‘Women in Leadership’. It was led by our Women in Leadership Special Interest Group (SIG) co-leads: Helen Farr from Taylor Wessing and Samantha Manning from LHH who reflected on what the City is doing to advance women in leadership. We were also joined by Emma Spitz from The Executive Coaching Consultancy who shared her key learnings giving insight into what can be achieved for women. Click below to listen.