Recognition for our focus on a fair and inclusive future

We’re delighted to have received recognition during October at a number of industry awards, all of which reflects our commitment to building a fair and inclusive future across our business, our industry and in wider society.

Addressing ethnic minority under-representation

As part of the Investing in Ethnicity Awards for 2020, our ethnicity and multicultural network Unity has made it into Investing in Ethnicity’s TOP100+ list – recognising businesses and individuals who are making an impact in ensuring that all people are afforded equal opportunity, regardless of race or ethnicity. It has been listed as one of the finalists in the ‘Network Group (ERG)’ category – companies that have gone above and beyond in helping to positively impact the BAME agenda within their workplace. 

Unity works in partnership with our company to help us attract, engage and develop a workforce where people of all backgrounds can succeed. During Black History Month in the UK, for example, Unity is developing resources and running events to help our colleagues understand how we can better support ethnic minority groups.

Leading positive social change 

We were finalists in two categories at the Responsible Business Awards. The awards celebrate leadership in sustainable business, recognising those that are having an impact on business, society and the environment.

Our Aberdeen Standard Investments brand was highly commended in the ‘Partnership Of The Year’ category, for its work with Big Issue Invest to develop solutions that address social and environmental issues. We were also shortlisted for the ‘D&I Leader’ award, alongside other companies who are leading action on diversity and inclusion. 

Improving gender balance

We were highly commended in the ‘Championing Gender Diversity’ category at the Diversity in Finance Awards, for companies whose policies, schemes or initiatives encourage and enable diversity in the workplace. The commendation recognises our work in supporting the equal treatment and inclusion of all gender identities, at all levels of our business – for example, in creating safe spaces, the recruitment processes, improvements to flexible working policies, and promoting a positive working culture.
Colleagues from Standard Life Aberdeen and our 1825 and Parmenion brands were also finalists at the Professional Adviser Women in Financial Advice Awards:   

• Wendy Plank, Standard Life Aberdeen: Woman of the Year – Platforms 
• Monique Ferguson, 1825: Woman of the Year – In-House Adviser Support
• Carol Malcolmson, 1825: Financial Adviser of the Year – Scotland and NI
• Anna McDaid, 1825: Rising Star
• Meera Hearnden, Parmenion: Most Inspiring Returner 

The awards celebrate the achievements of women working within the financial advice community, and aim to improve gender balance in financial services by inspiring more women to work in the sector.

> More about gender balance