The pensions sector is maintaining commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion despite parts of the corporate world scaling back their efforts, according to a new report from the Society of Pension Professionals (SPP).
The SPP’s Inclusive Futures paper shows strong backing for continued progress, with nearly three-quarters or 73 per cent of members saying DEI should be a top or high policy priority. The organisation says recent guidance from The Pensions Regulator is already prompting meaningful action across schemes and advisory firms.
The SPP’s collection of articles highlights the tangible benefits that diverse talent brings to both businesses and the pensions industry. It also makes clear how much work remains—both in improving opportunities for those entering and working within the sector and in addressing the persistent savings gaps faced by millions of savers who rely on it.
The report covers social mobility, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+, disability, gender, and ethnicity and brings together insights from pension professionals and organisations, including Disability Rights UK, Stonewall, The Social Mobility Foundation and UN Women UK.
SPP EDI group chair Daniel Gerring notes that while some sectors are stepping back from DEI, pensions are “thankfully” not among them. He argues that ongoing collaboration across the industry will be key to maintaining momentum.
Gerring says: “Having these experts’ views collected in a single publication helps to identify consistent themes: above all, while there is much to celebrate, there is a great deal still to do to ensure inclusion. We hope that this collection of articles will help to further raise awareness and understanding of the continued importance of DEI, as well as stimulating debate both within the pensions sector and the wider business world.”
