Kennedys continues commitment to diversity and inclusion as global partner of Dive In Festival 2020

We are delighted to be a global partner of Dive in, the international festival for diversity and inclusion in insurance.

Now in its sixth year, the festival, an initiative of Inclusion@Lloyd's, will take place in more than 60 locations around the world from 22 to 24 September; but with it also to be taken online for the first time.

Dive In aims to engage and educate people within the Lloyd's market on the importance of diversity and inclusion in insurance by providing them with understanding, knowledge and the tools to implement positive change. Representing every corner of the industry from the smallest brokers to the largest multi-national companies, the festival helps promote a different view of insurance to a variety of stakeholders and to prospective employees both within and outside the industry.

In recognition of new ways of working, the festival will take on a largely virtual format this year, with many events around the world being held online. The festival organisers are hopeful that the new format will reach a wider, more global, audience and increase overall participation.

Focusing on a theme of 'Local Voice, Global Impact', this year the festival aims to engage local voices around the world to create a global impact on inclusion. Particular focus will be given to the shared experience of a global lockdown and its impact on diversity and inclusion. A theme of authenticity and perspective will encourage attendees to reflect on the aspects of diversity and inclusion that enable them to bring their whole selves to work, drawing on unique perspectives to solve shared challenges.

Jason Groves, Chair of the Dive In Committee (and Global Director of Media Relations at Marsh), says: "This has been an extraordinary year for diversity and inclusion. Employees around the world have found themselves facing new and challenging circumstances that will alter the way we work for the foreseeable future. This has given us a renewed sense of purpose and drive to make this year's Dive In festival better than ever. Being able to draw on a shared global experience will make this year’s events even more impactful and, we hope, will spur individuals and organisations into action."

Festival Lead and Global Diversity & Inclusion Manager at Lloyd’s, Marc McKenna-Coles, adds: "We are delighted to have been able to take Dive In to the next level by making many of the events virtual this year. For the first time, Dive In will be taking place in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and offices all around the world. It is important that now, more than ever, D&I remains on the agenda and is not left behind. We hope this year's festival will provide insight and information, but equally some much-needed light relief and something to look forward to after months in lockdown."

Suzanne Liversidge, Global Managing Partner at Kennedys, says: "Life is always better when we take time to understand each other's challenges and perspectives. Walking in others shoes is something we should all do and taking Dive In virtual this year provides an opportunity for even more people to do this by getting involved at the touch of a button! We care passionately about equality, diversity and inclusion. I've had conversations with so many of our people recently about importance D&I issues and how we can work together to make a difference. Kennedys is proud to be involved globally in supporting such an excellent initiative for the insurance industry."

Last year's festival attracted more than 10,000 people to attend over 130 events in 32 countries around the world. Plans for the 2020 festival are well underway, and festival participants can look forward to experiencing a truly global perspective on D&I.

For further festival information and updates, see our Dive In 2020 website hub.