Embracing Diversity: Reflections on Culture Inclusion and True Partnership

At our recent networking event, one theme came through loud and clear: partnerships work best when they're grounded in shared values and a strong cultural fit. It's a phrase we use often - “synergies with our partners”- but this session prompted us to think about what that truly means in practice. For me, a positive organisational culture sits at the heart of effective partnerships. It's more than just getting along—it’s about creating the right conditions for people to thrive, for diverse voices to be heard, and ultimately for our customers to receive the best outcomes.

Research increasingly shows that culture isn’t a ‘nice to have’—it’s directly linked to business performance, retention, and engagement. We’ve all experienced environments where the culture wasn’t quite right. It can slow you down, create barriers, and stop you from doing your best work. That’s why it’s so powerful when we take the time—as we did at this event—to explore what makes a culture not just functional, but inclusive, empowering, and forward-thinking. A key discussion point was allyship and inclusion.

Creating a genuinely inclusive environment isn’t just about calling out bad behaviour—it’s about actively bringing others in, noticing who's not being heard, and using our platforms to create space for those voices. Inclusion is everyone’s responsibility, and it must be embedded into everyday actions, from meetings to project teams. It was inspiring to hear stories from across the industry—like Ronak’s work on inclusive recruitment, and the innovative use of apprenticeship levies to support local communities. These are tangible examples of how we can live our values and invest in diverse talent pipelines. But inclusion and diversity don’t work in isolation.

They require psychological safety—an environment where people feel confident to speak up, challenge ideas, and contribute different perspectives. Without that, we won’t unlock the benefits of diverse thinking. Another point that struck a chord with many was how our culture reflects outwards. When there’s synergy between teams, trust between partners, and authenticity in our interactions, our customers feel it too. Strong partnerships are built not just on commercial terms but on mutual respect, shared purpose, and integrity.

So, what’s the takeaway?

Sue Coffey - Personal Lines Director

If we want to grow, succeed, and deliver for our customers, we must continue to nurture a culture that prioritises people, invites difference, and holds true to our values. This applies to how we work internally and how we engage externally. As partners, we must be brave enough to have honest conversations—not only about what’s working, but where we can do better. To everyone who joined us—thank you for your openness, your insight, and your commitment to building stronger, more inclusive businesses. Let’s keep the conversation going.