We caught up with Layla Mullins, Co-Chair of HSBC Balance UK to catch her feelings after winning the Outstanding Diversity Network Award at the Excellence in Diversity Awards 2015! Here’s what Layla had to say:
I think we were all a little bit shocked but also really happy that the work all the volunteers do was recognised in such a way and that it is valued by our members.
How did you feel about the other shortlisted nominees within your category?
Having read all of the nominees from the different categories a lot of their stories were very humbling and achievements life changing, so we were blown away to think that our achievements matched up. However within our category it was about more about what we have achieved as a network and having gone from one small branch in 2010 to over 30 worldwide, we have made a huge advancement, making a difference to the gender diversity agenda across our global business.
Where are you going to go from here with your work?
We will continue to build on the network, delivering educational events and pushing forward opportunities for women in the workplace. We are driving conversations with senior leaders and HR about assisting with policy changes using our expertise in the field.
And for Balance UK we have a strategy day booked to look at how we can work even more closely with the different strands of our business to help them to build a more diverse, and inclusive organisation.
What does Diversity & Inclusion mean to HSBC Balance?
Knowing that everybody has got a fair crack at the whip and opportunities are open to everyone. Being able to highlight and demonstrate the benefits of a diverse organisation and what a diverse, inclusive and supportive organisation looks like and feels like to work for.
Where does this rank within your Diversity & Inclusion achievements?
It’s one of our top achievements and I think it’s a great help to emphasise the importance of the work our committee of volunteers does. It has given us some genuine leverage to be at the table for some really important conversations. It has definitely lifted up our profile.
What were yours and your colleague’s thoughts on the awards?
It was really well run, really well put together and the staff were lovely. It was a real celebration of diversity, equality & inclusion.