We’ve been talking to some of our 2024 sponsors to find out why they made the important decision to sponsor the Disability Power 100 awards in 2024.
As one of the UK’s largest financial services organisations, Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) is known for having some fantastic role models, who have been named on the Power 100 lists, including Ross Hovey and Cornel Hrisca-Munn.
Hear from Rachel Osikoya (Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) and Harriet Roberts (Senior Manager, Disability & Neurodiversity) below on LBG’s approach to role models, and why they are delighted to be sponsoring the Power 100 list this year.
LBG has an ambition to be the best-in-class leader in disability and neuro-inclusion. “We’ve been looking at this for a long time at LBG, but have made significant progress in the past couple of years. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where our colleagues love to work, where they can be themselves and thrive. After all, evidence suggests that a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve enables better decision making, and ensures our products and services are tailored and inclusive of the needs of all our customers too” says Rachel Osikoya.
If you’d like to learn more about how LBG are making a positive impact in this space you can read ‘A blueprint for disability and neuro-inclusion’.
LBG’s approach to Role Models:
Rachel and Harriet shared that a key part of driving a disability and neuro-inclusive organisation is celebrating role models. On an annual basis, LBG launch a role models list which recognises 100 individuals nominated by colleagues for the outstanding contribution they have made to champion disability inclusion with LBG colleagues, clients and communities.
Harriet Roberts shared that “it’s important we have these lists to showcase and celebrate the work that people do. By increasing the profile of individuals, it can improve the confidence of others who ‘see themselves’ in these role models, and therefore shows people that their aspirations for success are achievable. Our role models also play an important role in setting an example to others, and challenging us to do better as an organisation.”
Harriet highlighted the importance of ensuring the role models are purposeful, therefore of a benefit to the individual in terms of networking and development opportunities, whilst also supporting LBG’s broader disability and neuro-inclusion agenda.
For Rachel, one of the things that makes our role model programme unique is the opportunity to take part in circular mentoring, which was piloted in 2024. This programme paired 12 senior leaders within the Group with our role models who had lived experience of disability or neurodiversity. The ambition was to support improved understanding of disability & neurodiversity within the LBG leadership team as well as supporting the progression and retention of diverse talent.
Rachel is a mentor herself and she explains her experience of the circular mentoring.
“So, for me, I’ve taken away quite a lot around listening more as a line manager. We have a lot of processes and policies from an HR perspective to talk about performance, but actually it’s about getting to know the individuals in your team. It’s about understanding them and how you can best set them up for success.”
Because it’s a circular approach, Rachel explained that this minimises feeling of hierarchy, and perceptions there are about leadership.
Disability Power 100
“We’re excited about sponsoring the Disability Power 100 awards this year,” says Rachel. “The awards are closely aligned to our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy, specifically our role in helping to shape an economy and society that is more inclusive.”
Rachel says that the awards not only serve to debunk some of the stereotypes surrounding disability, but also showcase the fantastic impact of individuals and inspire others. “I always think that if you can’t see someone doing it who looks like you or who may be experiencing some similar barriers to you, then you may feel it’s not possible. So, the more visibility we can give, the better.”