UniCredit today announced that it has signed the UK’s HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter to pledge its full support to help improve gender diversity in the financial services sector in the UK and worldwide. Committing to this initiative is part of UniCredit’s Group-wide Diversity Action Plan that follows a number of decisive actions already taken by the Bank to reach a more balanced gender distribution at all levels. As part of joining the Charter and like all the other signatories, UniCredit is defining specific internal gender balance targets, which will be announced on September 2018.
Jean Pierre Mustier, CEO of UniCredit, commented: “Diversity and gender balance are key priorities for UniCredit and we take great pride in our already diverse workforce. We are actively working to ensure our work environment is built on respect and continuous learning in line with our One Bank, One UniCredit culture and aspire to become one of the best employers in the European financial sector. To achieve our objective, we recognise that continuous investment in further improving diversity and gender balance is necessary.”
UniCredit launched a Group-wide Diversity Action Plan in 2017. It focuses on developing and supporting diversity at all levels through specific initiatives related to recruitment and talent; professional development; remuneration; work-life balance; information and education. UniCredit has been dedicated to achieving greater diversity in its workforce and an improved gender balance since 2008 when the Bank signed the Joint Declaration on Equal Opportunities and Non Discrimination. In 2011, UniCredit launched its Gender Balance Programme and in 2013 the Bank enforced a Global Equality Policy and monitoring process including a Gender Balance Dashboard.
The Bank joined the 30% Club in 2015 and also signed the Women’s Empowerment Principles to renew its commitment to reach a more balanced gender distribution at all levels of the Group and promote female talent.