Andy Burnham endorses Diverse City initiative to promote fairness and equal opportunities
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has endorsed a gala dinner by Diverse City, the initiative created to raise funds to improve equality of opportunity across the investment and savings industry.
The Diverse City Manchester dinner is one of five events taking place across the UK.
Designed to raise around £2m to support charities affected by revelations following the President’s Club Dinner and scandal this January, the gala dinner will take place on October 10, at the Lowry Theatre, Salford.
Hostesses at the men-only Presidents Club charity dinner in London, who were allegedly told to wear “black sexy shoes” and black underwear, accused attendees of groping and propositioning them.
The funds from the Salford gala dinner will support the Social Mobility Foundation and other charities helping create greater access to careers across the savings and investment industry.
Andy Burnham, said: “The scandal of the Presidents Club revealed just how dangerously outdated some attitudes still are.
“But, thankfully, we also have positive initiatives like the Diversity Project and Diverse City, which help to restore our faith in business, and demonstrate how important it is to have industry leaders willing to lead by example and change things for the better.
“It’s fitting the Diverse City gala dinner is taking place in Greater Manchester because our vision is to make this a place where all voices are heard and where, working together, we can all play a part in shaping our future.
“For example, we’re drawing up a Good Employer Charter, working with local employers so that our residents receive fair pay, have access to high quality secure jobs, and are given the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background.”
Helena Morrissey, chair of the Diversity Project, said: “We’re delighted to be coming to Manchester – one of the most influential financial centres in the UK, and welcome Andy Burnham’s support of the cause.
“It is great to see cities like Manchester leading the way in promoting fairness and equal opportunities.”
Steve Robb, head of financial services for the North at business adviser EY, added: “At EY, we believe that harnessing a diverse range of ideas, cultural experiences and skills is not only the right thing to do, but also makes good business sense and ensures we attract and retain the very best talent.
“We work hard to make sure EY is a diverse and inclusive place for people to work and develop their careers.
“That’s why supporting Diverse City is important to us, and we are very pleased to be part of a project which is striving to ensure greater diversity in financial services across the Northern Powerhouse.”
