Diversity and Inclusion Champions – want to be part of the change?

The Insolvency Service and R3-led Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group was established in 2021 with the aim of bringing together professionals within and connected to the insolvency sector to discuss, understand, and take action to address barriers to diversity and inclusion within the sector.

As part of those efforts, the Steering Group is now on the look-out for enthusiastic insolvency professionals to become Diversity and Inclusion Champions.

This will be a voluntary role with Diversity and Inclusion Champions acting as role models, working alongside the Steering Group to share best practice, boost awareness, and inspire and lead change that will make a difference to employers and their talented teams.

Diversity and Inclusion Champions will advocate the Steering Group’s action plan, share their experience, join round tables and working groups, and participate in outreach work to universities and apprenticeship programmes to raise awareness of insolvency as an attractive career pathway.

Angela Crossley, Steering Group Chair, said:

Championing diversity is something everyone can take a part in. We’re looking for leaders and allies within the insolvency profession to play an active part in improving diversity and inclusion.

We are committed to addressing barriers in the profession, and as a Diversity and Inclusion Champion, you will be a visible role-model, using your voice and profile to share your insight and experience to inspire others.

Caroline Sumner, CEO of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3, said:

Our Champions will play a crucial role in amplifying and extending the work of the Steering Group, increasing understanding of insolvency and restructuring as a career option, and helping the profession become more diverse and inclusive.

The Steering Group members have done a fantastic job shaping the Group’s plans and starting this work, and now we’re looking to build on that foundation and hear from anyone who wants to help us broaden the talent pool, encourage good practice, and inspire people into choosing a career in insolvency and restructuring.

Previously R3 ran a survey of members to improve the Steering Group’s understanding of the profession’s make-up, which was used to develop an action plan. One of the cross-cutting actions from that plan is to develop a network of Diversity and Inclusion Champions across the insolvency sector.

To find out more, including how to express an interest in becoming a Diversity and Inclusion Champion, please send email: Insolvency.Diversity@insolvency.gov.uk.

The Steering Group’s current members are:

• Angela Crossley (Chair, The Insolvency Service)
• Harold Brako (Addleshaw Goddard)
• Aydin Djemal (BHA for Equality)
• Jo Hewitt (Alvarez & Marsal)
• Yvonne Joyce (Glasgow University)
• James Jeffreys (R3)
• Samantha Keen (EY)
• Caroline Sumner (R3)
• Francesca Tackie (Mercury Corporate Recovery Solutions)

The Steering Group also recognises that many Recognised Professional Bodies, insolvency firms, qualification bodies and others within the sector are actively taking forward programmes of work to build and strengthen diversity and inclusion.