Making Flexible Work Campaign and Charter

Andrea Robottom, Organisational Development and Effectiveness Director, Phoenix Group:

Flexible working means I can make the most of the important moments. It has allowed me to belong and be part of a successful business with Phoenix, while also being an engaged and involved mum at the same time. That means that while I have enjoyed many professional highlights, I also haven’t missed out on those important moments at home, such as doing the school run with my 11-year old, or helping with homework, despite my pretty hopeless algebra!

I have been working remotely and independently now for 13 years and it really enables me to be the best I can be – an outcome that is best for me, best for my family and best for the business.  I have the huge advantage of a fabulous job share which offers me a virtual thought partner without compromising on output or collaboration. Working from home allows me to really focus and get things done, using time in the office for workshops, connecting with colleagues and fostering a sense of belonging.  Flexible working really has enabled me to have my cake and eat it – to have the thrill of delivering a demanding set of work priorities whilst balancing it with a strong focus on my family.

Vanessa Loughlin, Organisation Development & Effectiveness Director, Phoenix Group:

Flexible working and a fabulous job share allows me to be the best me for Phoenix. I love where I live but it is a little out of the mainstream. Flexible working enables me to travel when I need to – so I keep connected and I’m visible as a leader - and enables me to make best use of time when I’m working from home.  Add to this a fantastic working partnership through our job share and the result is win-win: Phoenix gets the best from me and I feel at my best most of the time.

Amanda Blanc, Group CEO Aviva and HM Treasury’s Women in Finance Champion, said:

“There are still too many barriers which stop women progressing in insurance. As an industry we need to do more, and do it quicker, to make the changes we all want to see. Flexible ways of working is one way, but it needs to be available to everyone. The pandemic has shown us the value of flexible working, but to truly level the playing field at the office and at home, both men and women should feel able to work flexibly.”

Yvonne Braun, Executive Sponsor for Diversity and Inclusion at the Association of British Insurers said:“The insurance and long-term savings industry is no longer sitting on the fence about the benefits of flexible working for all staff. Today’s announcement represents one of the biggest ever commitments to increasing flexible working in financial services. By joining the Making Flexible Work campaign, firms will tackle the gender seniority gap and be able to attract and retain the brightest and best talent in our industry. 

“Our new research reveals steady improvement, but we need to accelerate the pace of progress in the sector. The data shows that while some firms have raced ahead, others have only just begun to make headway in improving diversity. The launch of today’s campaign and charter will ensure we go further and faster in making our sector more representative and help it win in the fierce battle for talent.”