On June 27, a host of inspirational women and organisations were recognised for their outstanding achievements in the finance space.
The annual Women in Finance Awards are open to advocates, supporters, and achievers in the world of finance, actively bridging the diversity gap in the sector. Over 800 delegates came together for the European finance industry’s largest diversity event, celebrating the achievements of individuals and organisations across a broad range of sectors within financial services, from the world of venture capital and banking to accountancy and corporate law.
Bruin Financial, a specialist financial services recruitment consultancy, were proud recipients of the ‘Recruiter of the Year’ award, which recognises the firm that has championed equal pay and diversity in financial recruitment. Bruin was particularly commended for leading change in the industry and providing insightful counsel to help their clients achieve fair gender representation at every level.
Colin Webster, CEO of The FISER Group, parent company of Bruin Financial said “We are delighted to have been recognised for our contribution to the advancement of women in finance, Bruin are vocal champions for equal pay and gender diversity in financial services and are proud of the reputation we have built in this area. This event provides a new way to identify much-needed role models in mid-to-senior roles in finance, promoting further dialogue around diversifying the talent pipeline and tackling the sector’s pay and promotion gap.”
The awards were hosted and presented by Louise Minchin, respected journalist, broadcaster and TV presenter. Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Chief Executive of Virgin Money, was instrumental in compiling and realising the hugely significant HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter and also addressed the event. Keynote speaker John Glen MP, Economic Secretary to HM Treasury, delivered an insightful speech and commented on the significant year it has been for women when considering the centenary of women’s suffrage in the United Kingdom.
Mr Glen also spoke of the HM Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter, specifically the link between gender balance and profitability, and that these go hand in hand. He reminded the audience that diverse companies are a matter of profit and principle, and of the importance of the financial services sector the UK economy. He called on any firms represented on the night, and who have not signed up to the Charter, to do so.
Amongst the initiatives that contributed to Bruin’s award win, includes their Women in Financial Institutions Index (WiFI) report, which measures the engagement and representation of women in financial services; Bruin’s proprietary gender pay gap calculator, and commitment to providing gender monitoring reports for their clients for each successfully completed role. As a business, Bruin have developed a number of unique initiatives to support their clients’ diversity objectives, such as the provision of client workshops and training seminars on diverse talent management.
Bruin is also represented on the ‘Women Returners’ steering committee of The Diversity Project, an initiative led by representatives from the investment and savings industries’ biggest institutions, who have come together to solve diversity levels in the industry ‘once and for all’. Other organisations with whom Bruin have recently partnered include The 30% Club, Women Ahead and the National Equality Standard (NES). Arun Batra, CEO of the NES described Bruin as “something exceptional in the financial services sector… a fantastic example of the tangible benefits of diversity and equality in the workplace, integrated into everyday business”.
For more information on Bruin’s diversity initiatives, please contact Kirstin Duffy.