Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace with Gemma Jackson, UK&I Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at RSA
In this podcast episode, I interviewed Gemma Jackson, the UK Head of Diversity and Inclusion at RSA Insurance.
We talked about her role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as the challenges that come with it.
We also discussed the benefits of having a diverse workforce and how to balance work and motherhood.
Gemma shared some initiatives that RSA Insurance has implemented to promote diversity and inclusion, including female talent development programmes and policies to foster a safe, inclusive workplace.
We also delved into the double standards and biases that women face in the media and society.
If you’re interested in learning more about Gemma’s work and her personal journey, check out the full episode. Don’t forget to connect with Gemma on LinkedIn to learn more about RSA Insurance.
Time Stamps:
Introduction [00:00:00] Elizabeth Willetts introduces herself and the podcast.
Sponsorship [00:01:13] Introducing our sponsor, Taylor and Francis.
Discussing D&I with Gemma Jackson [00:02:08-00:07:39] Elizabeth Willits interviews Gemma Jackson, UK Head of Diversity and Inclusion at RSA Insurance, about promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, the benefits of a diverse workforce, and how she balances her work as a working mom. They also discuss Gemma’s background and how she became passionate about D&I.
The Challenge of Driving Action [00:08:04] Gemma discusses the challenge of implementing initiatives that drive action rather than just words, and the difficulty of addressing a whole-society issue.
Positive Initiatives for D&I [00:09:30] Gemma shares some of the initiatives that RSA Insurance has implemented to promote diversity and inclusion, including female talent development programs and sponsoring ethnic minority colleagues.
The Importance of Female Mentors [00:14:23] Gemma talks about the importance of having female mentors in her career, how they encouraged her to take on her current role, and the tendency for women to self-sabotage when it comes to job opportunities.
Double Standards in Media [00:18:16] Discussion on how the media portrays women differently from men, using the example of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton.
Unlearning Stereotypes [00:20:28] The speakers discuss how women are taught to stay small and quiet and how they are unlearning these stereotypes.
Reducing Bias [00:23:00] The importance of pausing and checking biases, and how to tackle offensive comments without being defensive.
Gemma’s route into insurance [00:26:15] Gemma talks about how she fell into the insurance industry and her initial interest in becoming a trainer.
Supporting victims of domestic abuse [00:28:12] Gemma discusses how RSA Insurance supports employees who are victims of domestic abuse and provides resources for them to access help.
Stopping the cycle of domestic abuse [00:34:20] Gemma talks about the importance of changing societal attitudes towards domestic abuse and teaching children and adults how to recognise and prevent abusive behaviour.
Teaching Respectful Behaviour [00:34:49] Gemma Jackson talks about the importance of teaching children respectful behaviour and challenging biases to end violence against women and girls.
Benefits of Embracing D&I [00:36:35] Gemma Jackson explains how embracing diversity and inclusion in the workplace can lead to profitable businesses and meet the needs of a diverse customer base.
Challenging Narratives [00:40:32] Gemma Jackson and the unnamed sponsor discuss the importance of challenging assumptions and narratives about gender roles and identities.
Show Links:
Connect with Gemma on LinkedIn
Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn
Podcast Episode Sponsor: Taylor and Francis
Investing in Women Flexible Working Job Board and Recruitment Site