Schroders joins the global Valuable 500 initiative
We have become one of the latest members to join the largest network of global CEOs committed to diversity – The Valuable 500. As members, we are determined to embed disability inclusion throughout our whole supply chain.
Currently, 15% of people worldwide live with some form of disability. This number increases to 53% when you include the families of those living with a disability. Businesses cannot afford to exclude such a significant pool of talent, diversity of thought and customers with a spending power of $8 trillion per annum.
Launched at Davos in January 2019 by Caroline Casey and Paul Polman, The Valuable 500 is the only global CEO community dedicated to radically transforming the business system across the whole supply chain for the benefit of all those with a disability. In under two years, 350 CEOs have joined this community. By engaging the most influential business leaders and brands, the initiative wants to create a tipping point within business that unlocks the business, social and economic value of the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities around the world.
“Today is a day for celebrating the immense contribution people with disabilities bring to business and society more broadly – this 15% of the global population bring diversity of thought and lived experience and a wealth of talent, all vital for the business sustainability agenda. But it must also be a day of reflection, because we are not there yet with disability inclusion, and a fair and accessible society for all”- Caroline Casey, Founder of The Valuable 500
“I am delighted that we have committed to this initiative and am looking forward to being part of The Valuable 500 community. Given our low representation of people with disabilities at Schroders I believe we can make strides to ensure our environment is more inclusive and offer successful careers to people from all backgrounds” Peter Harrison, Group Chief Executive, Schroders
The Valuable 500’s announcements are made on the UN-sanctioned International Day of People with Disabilities, as we enter the 10year count down to the completion of the UN’s 2030 sustainable development goals. This year in particular, in light of the global pandemic, the day focuses on “Building Back Better” towards a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post Covid-19 world. They are calling for a shift in mentality, and for business and society alike to make the next decade the decade of disruption when it comes to disability inclusion.
We are also members of The Business Disability Forum and having achieved Level 1 in the ‘Disability Confident Committed Employer’, are now working towards achieving Level 2.
Schroders’ WorkAbility Group
The WorkAbility Group, one of our 13 Inclusion groups at Schroders, aims to ensure that all employees and applicants affected by disability or long-term health conditions are given access to opportunities through support and adjustments.
Providing opportunities beyond our workforce
The Snowdon Trust, one of our Schroders Giving partners, supports people living with a wide range of disabilities to achieve their goals in further or higher education, or vocational training. Each year Snowdon directly help around 100 students with grants for disability-related costs that are not covered by statutory funding such as sign language interpreters or mobility equipment. We began our partnership in 2019 and have worked to reduce the barriers for seven of their talented students to fulfil their potential.
The views and opinions contained herein are those of Schroders' investment teams and/or Economics Group, and do not necessarily represent Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.'s house views. These views are subject to change. This information is intended to be for information purposes only and it is not intended as promotional material in any respect.
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