Acumen+giving+you+the+edge
Categories:Insurance/reinsurance,UK

Lawyers from Norton Rose and RPC help launch LGBT network

25 February 2013 | By Lucy Burton

  • Print
  • Comments (3)

Related Articles

Related Firms

Insurance lawyers at Norton Rose and RPC are among the founding members of an LGBT network for the insurance industry.

Although the group, which is named Link, will formally launch at an event next month the network has been building since 2011, when Norton Rose insurance lawyers James Thomas and Laura Hodgson held an informal dinner event with the heads of Aviva and Aon’s LGBT networks.

Discussing where the idea came from, Thomas told The Lawyer that they had noticed “a distinct lack of insurers” across LGBT networks at the time, adding that he believes this is the first cross-industry LGBT association in insurance.

The network has since attracted over 100 members, with founding organisations now including RPC, Accenture, Lloyds Banking Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Zurich.

Both Thomas and Hodgson said the group had provided new connections for those in the industry, but did not comment on whether or not this had translated into new clients for the firm.

In a statement London partner and sponsor of Norton Rose’s LGBT network Owen Mulholland said: “Evidence has shown that LGBT networks help to ensure effective workplace equality and provide vital peer support. Networks also build relationships and open up business development opportunities with clients.”

Aviva manager Vanessa Rayne, who is listed as a co-chair of the group, said in a statement that the insurance industry is “behind the times in relation to diversity” and that the aim of Link is to change that.

Link’s official launch event will be held at the Chartered Insurance Institute on 26 March, with panel members including Stonewall CEO Ben Summerskill and Ernst & Young managing partner Liz Bingham.

See all Related Jobs, Briefings & CPD/Events

Readers' comments (3)

  • Anonymous | 25-Feb-2013 5:39 pm

    I think there are industries/sectors that are behind on diversity issues and in which it is more difficult for LGBT people to succeed. That there are groups such as this one looking to remedy that is great. At the same time, I feel strongly that such initiatives should not be about business development/getting new work for firms. That’s not what this is or should be about yet lots of similar initiatives always mention that angle, as if the equality/LGBT issues on their own may not be enough of a reason for people to attend/pitch in (which very hopefully is not the case).

    Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment

  • Theresa Farren | 26-Feb-2013 12:06 pm

    Hi Anonymous, you will therefore be pleased to note that the business case for Link is focused on attracting and retaining top talent. The new business/"pink pound" angle is not mentioned at all.

    Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment

  • Ledie Toscano | 8-Mar-2013 2:41 pm

    I think it's amazing when firms come together to acknowledge and represent the LGBT community!
    These kind of groups help eliminate workplace derogatory terms from the everyday lexicon such as the pejorative term 'so gay' to describe something that is neither homosexual nor happy.
    Groups like the ones in this article help differentiate tolerance from acceptance in the workplace and in business. Tolerance is to put up with or the capacity to endure continued subjection to something, whereas Acceptance is to regard as proper, normal or inevitable. To recognize what is true.
    You can legislate tolerance, but you can’t legislate acceptance. That takes a societal shift.
    Congratulations to all firms who strive for equality. I am behind you all the way!

    Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment

Have your say

Mandatory Required Fields

Related Briefings

View All Related Briefings

  • Print
  • Comments (3)

Most popular

Most commented

Most emailed