We value diversity and inclusion

Why we value diversity and inclusion

We value diversity and inclusion for many reasons. We want to reflect the society we serve better. We want the best people to work for us. We want our workplace to be inclusive.

We also want to encourage diverse ideas, open debate and perspectives that challenge prevailing wisdom.

If you work for us, we’d like you to feel you can be yourself and achieve your full potential.

One way we support diversity and inclusion is through our staff-run networks. These include:

Our LGBT+ and Allies Network is open to every member of staff. This includes people who may not identify as LGBT+ themselves, but who actively support their LGBT+ colleagues. It promotes a working environment where everyone – regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity – feels safe and confident to be themselves.

We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion and participate in the Workplace Equality Index. In 2018, we moved up 101 places in the index – a huge improvement in one year.  Working with Stonewall, we’re committed to improving LGBT+ diversity and inclusion even further.

Our Disability Network identifies and removes barriers to people achieving their full potential. The network supports individuals with specific employment issues and organises events to raise awareness of disabilities and the challenges people face.

This network is focused on improving people’s understanding of mental health issues. It highlights available support to colleagues and organises events to combat the stigma around mental health. In doing so, it aims to ensure that anyone affected by mental health issues – either directly or indirectly – feels more inclined to open up and seek help earlier.

Our Women in the Bank Network aims to ensure that all women can flourish in the workplace. It’s open to everyone, regardless of gender. It focuses on identifying and tackling issues that can hold women back in their professional development and job satisfaction.

BEEM was established to inform, inspire, advocate and promote Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) related matters in the Bank. As well as ensuring BAME staff experience the same performance reviews, rates of pay and development opportunities as non-BAME colleagues, BEEM is committed to addressing the imbalance of BAME representation at a senior management level.

The Muslim Network connects and supports Muslim colleagues throughout the Bank, ensuring no one ever has to compromise their religious obligations or spiritual needs in order to excel in their professional role. As part of this, the network also organises events and activities to mark important Islamic celebrations and bring people together throughout the year.

The Jewish Network is here to support all Jewish colleagues across the Bank, and help them celebrate and raise awareness of their shared faith. The network is proud of its inclusivity and welcomes members from all denominations and beliefs, including Orthodox, Conservative, Progressive, Cultural and Atheist Jews, as well as those who are not affiliated.

The Christian Union is open to Christians of any (or no) denominational background, as well as colleagues who don’t consider themselves Christians but are interested in finding out more about the Christian faith. Its members regularly come together to study the Bible, pray, talk and socialise, with a focus on their faith and how it influences their work and everyday lives.

Whether it involves looking after someone with chronic illness, disability or mental health issues, an elderly relative or young children as part of a family, being a carer can be tremendously rewarding. But it’s also extremely demanding. The Carers Network provides the information, advice and support colleagues need to balance that responsibility with a successful career.

BETS supports colleagues with connections to the armed forces and emergency services. This includes military veterans, those that still serve in the Reserve Forces, are retained members of the emergency services or have family members in the services. Additionally, the network champions the benefits that former military and emergency service personnel can bring to the Bank of England and how their training, experiences and skills can broaden the capabilities within our organisation.

The Parents+ Network exists to help colleagues feel valued and supported, able to realise their potential at work and fulfil their role at home. Originally launched to support parents returning from parental leave, the network has expanded to support a wider range of colleagues, such as grandparents and those who wish to become parents.

The External Recruits Network aims to support the experience of new external recruits to the Bank of England, making it easier for recruits who are joining as experienced professionals and may not have access to the same support as early careers hires.