Celebrating inclusion and diversity
At Unum, we’re committed to championing inclusion and diversity (I&D) within our business every day, striving to create a team that reflects the communities and customers we serve.
An inclusive culture is ingrained in our values, so everyone can reach their full potential and succeed together.
We don’t just pay lip service to I&D — we’ve created a working environment that supports our approach and enables everyone, from senior management down, to play their part.
This page sets out some of the ways that our business embraces inclusion and diversity, and why we think it’s important to have a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences within our company.
What makes our people and our business unique
So often it falls to employees to champion diversity, with little or no support from management. Here at Unum, we work a different way.
Our I&D strategy is set and owned by our Executive Committee (ExCo); they are supported in its implementation by our Inclusion Network. This is made up of our network of Inclusion Business Champions — senior representatives from all areas of the business who have committed to bring the strategy to life within their own departments.
They work closely with our five Employee Networks. Members of these networks all have similar life experience, helping them support new employees, identify opportunities for community engagement and celebrate inclusion and diversity throughout the year.
UK ExCo
Agrees and owns the I&D strategy
UK Inclusion Network
Supports the deployment of the I&D strategy
The UK Inclusion Network is made up of the:
Employee Networks
Represents the “voice of the employee” in diverse communities across all of Unum UK
UNITEd UK — BAME
upLIFT UK — gender equality
enABLE UK — abilities
bePROUD UK — LGBTQ+
weSERVE UK — veterans
Inclusion Business Champions
Made up of leadership team members who understand the local business context and encourages line leadership accountability within their function.
We’re proud to deliver an inclusive culture that supports and celebrates everything that makes us stronger together.
This team represents the full spectrum of what makes our people and our business unique.
Women in Finance Charter
We signed up to the Women in Finance Charter in 2016, committing to support the progression of women into senior roles in the financial services sector. This displays our commitment to building an inclusive culture to benefit us — both now and in the future. We’re proud that we are committed to increase the numbers of women within our senior leadership team. You can learn more about our commitment below.
Race at Work Charter
The Race at Work Charter supports businesses to improve racial equality in the workplace. We’re proud to be a signatory of the charter and in 2022 have re-committed to its seven key principles, one of which is to appoint an executive sponsor for race within our business.
Further details of the charter and our commitments to it can be found on the official Business in the Community website.
Working Families
We’re delighted that Unum is a member of Working Families, the UK’s work-life balance charity. Working Families shares the same values as ourselves by helping working parents and carers (and their employers) find a better balance between responsibilities at home and in the workplace. Watch our video, which tells the story of two women who were able to return to work at Unum on their own terms, after taking a break to start their families.
Stonewall Diversity Champion
Being a Diversity Champion by Stonewall means a lot to us. It means we’re showcasing a commitment to being an inclusive workplace for our LGBTQ+ employees and the wider community.
Unum is a regular sponsor of Pride in Surrey, acting as the event’s Accessibility Sponsor. We send a delegation of staff to march in the parade — including representatives from our Executive Committee — as well as man our stand and generally wave both the Unum and Pride flags
Disability Confident Leader
In 2022 we were proud to be re-accredited as a recognised Disability Confident Leader, which means we’re committed to providing disabled people with the opportunity to fulfil their potential, realise their ambitions and make the most of their talents.
Armed Forces Covenant
We signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2019 and achieved Silver accreditation in 2021. This is our promise to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated properly and fairly. Thanks to the support of our Veterans Employee Network, we’re proud to call ourselves an armed forces-friendly organisation and we’ll ensure that those who served in the armed forces, whether regular or reserve, face no disadvantage in the workplace. We are actively working towards achieving Gold accreditation.
Diversity pay reports
We’re committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer, striving to employ people who reflect the communities and customers that we serve. That’s why championing and prioritising diversity is one of our core values. Use the links opposite to see all our diversity pay reports online.
We also recognise the value and importance of having a board with a diverse range of expertise, experience, skills and backgrounds which is reflected in our Board diversity and inclusion policy.
Proud to be associated with...
![Women in Finance logo]()
Women in Finance
![Prince's Responsible Business Network logo]()
Business in the Community Race at Work Charter
![working families employer member 2022/2023]()
Working Families
![Stonewall diversity champion]()
Stonewall – Diversity Champion
![Disability Confident Leader logo]()
Disability Confident Leader
![Armed Forces Covenant employer recognition scheme gold award]()
Armed Forces Covenant
