Treasury Committee’s ‘Sexism in the City’ report

Following the launch of the Treasury Committee's 'Sexism in the City' report that was released today, Mark Freed, CEO and Co-founder of Men for Inclusion, comments: 

"Whilst we commend the Treasury Committee for carrying out this important 'Sexism in the City' inquiry, Men for Inclusion firmly believes that building a diverse and inclusive workplace culture in the financial services industry is not just a regulatory obligation but the 'right thing' to do. 

Regulatory intervention may have its place, but real change starts from within organisations. We've seen firsthand that prioritising inclusion drives cultural change, benefiting everyone. Creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best is the most important thing.  It is key that the whole workforce, not just women, are encouraged to be part of that change in culture.

The most critical recommendation is encouraging firms to see diversity & inclusion as a core business priority, treating it like other core business change programmes, with appropriate investment, resources and senior leader sponsorship and accountability to ensure success.  Too often, efforts to date, have felt like a small cohort of passionate people trying to drive change from the side of their desk.

In terms of parental leave policies, encouraging equal uptake and transparency is crucial. Men embracing parental leave and flexible working breaks down outdated stereotypes and paves the way for cultural transformation. The current lack of take-up of paternity leave and hybrid working opportunities by men is indicative of men hanging on to or feeling pressure to comply with outdated male stereotypes. Work that frees men from this pressure will benefit everyone, drive cultural change and remove barriers and additional responsibilities placed on women. 

Tackling sexual harassment requires a collective effort, involving men as allies and role models. It's not just about post-event measures; we need proactive steps to empower colleagues to develop the moral courage to intervene and prevent such behaviour. By fostering a culture of accountability and support, we can create safer and more inclusive workplaces for everyone." 

 

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