Feb. 2, 2021
The 鶹ý Shares Internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan as Part of Black History Month Celebration
WASHINGTON (February 2, 2021) — The 鶹ý (鶹ý) demonstrates its commitment to advance diversity and inclusion efforts by sharing its internal . The 鶹ý's employees and leadership developed this framework collaboratively to drive change, promote accountability in its workplace, and offer the insurance sector a model to build similar programs.
“We approached this initiative with humility and a commitment to listening, learning and facilitating conversations within our organization and across the insurance sector to develop a thoughtful, actionable plan,” said 鶹ý Chief Executive Officer, Mike Consedine. “We are pleased to share this plan and report on our progress as we continue our journey to build a diverse and inclusive workplace.”
The 鶹ý recognizes that making progress with DE&I is a journey of cultural change. That is why the 鶹ý plan is made up of immediate and longer-term initiatives designed to build and foster a diverse and inclusive culture where employees are encouraged to share their authentic selves. The plan focuses on four key areas: the workforce, the workplace, supporting our members, and our community:
The Workforce
Hiring a diverse workforce requires the involvement of leadership and all employees. The 鶹ý has begun implementing strategies and tactics to improve the process, including evaluating job descriptions for bias, creating recruiting materials that appeal to a diverse audience, and training hiring managers and employees about how to articulate the 鶹ý’s commitment to a diverse workforce.
The Workplace
An inclusive workplace that engages the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives of its employees increases its ability to innovate and serve the public. At the 鶹ý, we are taking action to create a working environment where individual differences are intentionally embraced. The 鶹ý DE&I Council is generating awareness, creating platforms to share stories, and hosting monthly events to encourage colleagues to understand and appreciate the value of diversity and the importance of creating an inclusive environment. Additionally, the organization plans to pilot employee resource groups to build a high performing and inclusive organization.
Our Members
In 2020, insurance commissioners formed a special executive committee to address issues related to race and insurance, including a workstream specific to the 鶹ý and its members. Through the 鶹ý, the commissioners conducted research and held public forums to foster understanding and address concerns. The 鶹ý has reported on its DE&I framework and committed to being transparent and open on its transformative journey. “We intended to lead by example,” said 鶹ý Chief Operating Officer, Andy Beal. The 鶹ý is also steadfast in its commitment to providing ongoing support to our members as they seek to drive change across the sector.
Our Community
We are committed to expanding our outreach efforts by supporting our DE&I Council efforts to work with organizations committed to helping under-served communities by educating marginalized communities within the insurance industry.
In 2021, the 鶹ý is celebrating its 150th anniversary as a standard-setting body. “We see our commitment to DE&I as part of our legacy for the next 150 years,” said Consedine.
About the 鶹ý
As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the 鶹ý (鶹ý) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the 鶹ý, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. 鶹ý staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally.