Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a strategic priority for Whitehelm and instrumental to us achieving our long-term Vision and Mission. A diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes teams more effective, delivering top performance and long-term sustainable outcomes.

We have developed a DEI Policy which outlines our approach to this important area and the key roles and responsibilities within the organisation. You can view the policy here.

In line with the commitments made in our DEI policy, we have set some diversity targets that are measurable and achievable. Progress against the targets is measured every year and reported to the Board.

Our Diversity Targets are:

  • achieve at least 30% female representation at Senior Investment Director and above by 2023;
  • maintain equal gender balance at Investment Director and below; and
  • maintain a high level of cultural diversity.

When we signed up to the Women in Finance Charter in June 2019 we had 20% female representation in senior management. As at June 2020 we have 21% female representation in senior management. We believe we are on track to meet our Charter target by our deadline.

We are committed to DEI at all levels and the following are examples of our focus in this area:

  • We have a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group made up of representatives from across the business. The DEI Working Group drive delivery against our DEI Policy and our DEI agenda;
  • A member of our Management Group is the sponsor for DEI and drives our focus in this area, reporting to our Board on progress;
  • We review all of our key processes through a DEI lens to ensure they are in line with our policy. For example, when recruiting we require a gender balanced candidate list and seek to make our selection processes inclusive for all;
  • We provide education and training for all employees around DEI and how contributing to a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment is everyone’s responsibility;
  • We provide competitive parental leave and flexible working arrangements to help all employees balance their busy lives;
  • We support industry initiatives to advance DEI in Investment Management. We are signatories of the Women in Finance Charter, the ILPA Diversity in Action initiative and we are part of the 100backinterns scheme. For further details on these initiatives please see below.

#10000 Black Interns Programme

Whitehelm Capital is proud to be supporting the #10000BlackInterns programme in the UK. The initiative has been started to transform the horizons and prospects of young black people in the United Kingdom by offering paid work experience across a wide range of industries, as well as world-class training and development. For the next five years the programme will offer 2000 internships a year to black students and recent graduates across 24 sectors including investment management.

As part of the programme, each summer we will host a six week internship for a black student or recent graduate to give them a valuable insight into investment management and to equip them with the skills required to excel in the industry. To find out more about the programme, including how to apply, go to the website: BLACK INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME | 10000BLACKINTERNS

 

Women in Finance Charter

As part of our commitment to gender diversity here at Whitehelm, we are proud to be signatories to the UK’s Women in Finance Charter. This Charter is a commitment by HM Treasury and signatory firms to work together to build a more balanced and fair industry. Our commitment to charter reflects our aspiration to see gender balance at all levels across financial service firms.

ILPA Diversity in Action Initiative

We are proud to be a signatory of the ILPA Diversity in Action initiative, sharing a commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the private equity industry. Membership of this initiative supports us on our journey to becoming more diverse and inclusive both within Whitehelm and the industry more broadly.