Lloyd’s announces Inclusive Futures to create more equitable market and society

08 Nov 2023

Today Lloyd’s published details of Inclusive Futures: a comprehensive programme of initiatives to help Black and ethnically diverse individuals participate and progress from the classroom to the boardroom.

The programme responds to research conducted by Black Beyond Data, based at Johns Hopkins University, exploring Lloyd’s historical links to the transatlantic slave trade and setting them in context through an interactive, digital exhibit called Underwriting Souls.

The project was independently funded by the Mellon Foundation and Lloyd’s held no editorial control over the findings.

Black Beyond Data’s research makes clear that Lloyd’s, which is over three hundred years old, played a significant role in enabling the transatlantic slave trade and economy, forming part of a sophisticated network of financial interests and activities that made these activities possible.

“We’re deeply sorry for this period of our history and the enormous suffering caused to individuals and communities both then and today. We’re resolved to take action by addressing the inequalities still seen and experienced by Black and ethnically diverse individuals: which is why we’ve launched Inclusive Futures, a comprehensive programme of initiatives to help these individuals and communities progress from the classroom to the boardroom.”

Bruce Carnegie-Brown, Chairman, Lloyd’s

Inclusive Futures includes a series of active interventions covering Lloyd’s recruitment, research, investments, charitable giving and more, spanning the next decade and beyond. The plan was shaped in consultation with Black experts and ethnically diverse colleagues across the Lloyd’s market to deliver meaningful, sustainable change in building a more inclusive marketplace and society.

“We know we can’t undo the past: but we can do something about the inequalities we see today. Inclusive Futures is just a starting point, and the proof will be in the impact it has – but we believe these interventions will make lasting, sustainable change in how the Lloyd’s market looks and feels for generations to come.”

Mark Lomas, Head of Culture, Lloyd's

“The Collection of Lloyd’s pertaining to the transatlantic slave trade is a critically important historical resource for understanding the histories of the slave trade and economy. Such records are scant and limited, and to our knowledge, some of these materials are likely the only of their kind. These materials also shed light on the ways that slavery and the slave trade shaped the City of London. Through our collaboration with Lloyd’s we have ensured these materials are accessible and visible to all, alongside educational resources, in a way that is transparent, ethical and maintains both financial and editorial independence.”

Dr Alexandre White, Assistant Professor, Black Beyond Data

Inclusive Futures programme of initiatives

Inclusive Futures: a comprehensive programme of initiatives to help Black and ethnically diverse individuals participate and progress from the classroom to the boardroom.

Explore the programme

Get in touch

If you have any questions or comments on Black Beyond Data’s research and Lloyd’s Inclusive Futures programme of initiatives, please contact us.

InclusiveFutures@lloyds.com

Contact the Lloyd's Press Office for media enquiries.

pressoffice@lloyds.com