Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The purpose of the FSC's Diversity and Inclusion work is to help create strategic accountability for results, provide governance and oversight of key projects and initiatives, and foster real industry-wide change and further engagement by establishing a dedicated focus on diversity and inclusion priorities.
Our Diversity & Inclusion Committee's objectives are to:
- provide a platform that sets the benchmark for other industries to follow;
- drive the tone from the top in terms of diversity and inclusion for the FSC Board, FSC Committees, and industry participants;
- develop and promote strategies and best practices within the realms of racial, ethnic, social, sexual, and gender diversity;
- inspire the next generation of financial services professionals, by elevating female role-models, and growing the pipeline of diverse leaders in the industry;
- create demand for diversity and inclusion as an industry imperative and influence culture from within;
- increase the number of women joining and working in financial services;
- focus on key initiatives and make meaningful change happen; and
- support members to consider diversity initiatives that will deliver better customer outcomes.
FSC events and resources
Empower & Elevate: Women in Leadership: Inspiring Success
Driven by a joint recognition and need for inclusive leadership that addresses the issues for working women who are already in leadership or are just starting their career journey, INFINZ, Financial Services Council (FSC) and the FSC's Empower Women are coming together for an event series to create impactful change.
The 'Empower & Elevate: Women in Finance' leadership series will consist of three tailored events, each addressing a unique aspect of leadership development. The first event 'Inspiring Sucess' took place on 7 November 2024 and was sold out.
Watch the Diversity and Inclusion replays from the FSC24 Conference
As the financial services industry and the New Zealand population continues to evolve, the importance of equity, inclusion and diversity has never been more apparent. At FSC24, these critical themes took centre stage, with industry leaders and experts discussing actionable strategies for fostering inclusion and breaking down barriers.
If you missed the Conference or simply want to rewatch your favourite diversity and inclusion sessions, view the replays below.
International Men's Day 2024
Women in the workforce spend a great deal of time championing equality, diversity, and inclusion. But International Men’s Day, celebrated on November 19, offers an opportunity to recognise the critical role men play in building equitable workplaces, while also celebrating valuable allies, colleagues, and friends.
The 2024 theme of International Men’s Day is Positive Role Models. It serves as a reminder that men can be, and often are, instrumental in creating environments where women feel supported, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Expressions of Interest: Join the FSC's Empower Women Working Group and make a difference
Are you passionate about empowering women and creating a fairer, more inclusive workplace for everyone?
The Empower Women Working Group leads a community that is bringing real change for women in the financial sector and beyond, and we are on the lookout for more volunteers, especially those based in Wellington, to join the Working Group and help with our initiatives.
Māori engagement in the financial services industry webinar
During our webinar on Māori engagement in the financial services industry, our panel of experts shared their experiences and achievements to discuss:
- How engaging with Māori communities may differ from engaging with other groups.
- Recommended strategies for financial service providers to enhance their capacity and engagement, aiming for better outcomes with Māori communities.
Join Empower Women
Empower Women will provide new resources, events and opportunities to contribute to and be part of the required change around the financial wellbeing and confidence of women.
Empower Women members get access to:
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FSC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) resources
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latest FSC and Empower Women news
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discounts on FSC events
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the wider FSC DEI community
DEI sessions from FSC Conference 2023
Allyship masterclass
We ask the question in this FSC members-only masterclass: if we are really going to advance inclusion, how do we embed a lifelong process of building and nurturing supportive relationships with under-represented, marginalised, or discriminated individuals or groups?
Who decides the future of your business? Women in Super Breakfast
As joint CEO at home but with responsibility for 80% of buying decisions, women in the workforce are critical to the healthy functioning and sustainability of a range of businesses.
Understanding the narrative of diversity, equity and inclusion panel discussion
DEI can often be a single focus on gender, ethnicity or diversity in the workplace but creating a sense of belonging for all, is so much more. It forms part of the ‘S’ in ESG while also relevant to up and coming conduct licensing with fair customer outcomes a priority. This discussion explored the importance of, and benefits arising from, a DEI focus within your business.
From Zoomer to Boomer: wjhat really makes Gen Zers so different?
This session of young trailblazers looks to the latest FSC research into Generation Z in New Zealand, and what’s new, different and changing for them, bringing a realism from their perspectives on the financial services industry and beyond.
The FSC are delighted to launch FSC Empower Women, an initiative to drive an enhanced focus on women and their financial confidence, wellbeing and empowerment.
If you are interested in collaboration, inspiration and driving change, we invite you to join the Empower Women community.
How you can get involved:
Sign up here to join the Empower Women initiative, and receive updates on news, resources and opportunities to drive financial confidence, wellbeing and empowerment of women.
Useful links and resources
Diversity Works
New Zealand’s national body for workplace diversity and inclusion.
Mind the Gap
Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Pay Gap Registry.
NZ Parental Leave Register
The most comprehensive database of verified parental leave policies in New Zealand.
Global Federation of Insurance Associations (GFIA)
The FSC is a member of GFIA and its DEI Working Group.
Healthy Financial Relationships Toolkit
Find all the tools you need to have healthy conversations about money with your partner.
He Matapaki Māreikura
A place for Whai Rawa wāhine members to come and kōrero about financial capability.