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How I Support Diversity & Inclusion at Brewin Dolphin

Paul Kilpatrick has been at Brewin Dolphin since 2016. Some of his favourite parts of his role have been to manage our Women@Brewin network and sit on our Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Here he writes about this experience and what it has meant to him and his career. 



I joined Brewin in 2016 as a Senior Associate and Business Manager to Susan Beckett, our Chief Risk Officer and I provide comprehensive business, administrative and secretarial support to her.

 

Sue is also the Senior Executive sponsor of Women@Brewin (W@B) which provides a forum for positive exchange and networking. The aim of the forum is to drive awareness of inclusion, gender discussions, improve the working environment and boost employee confidence through motivational talks from external guests.

 

I manage all aspects of the W@B networking activities throughout the UK which includes logistics, hospitality, marketing; both internally and externally and sourcing of guest speakers. Organising these events has opened my eyes and ears to understanding the needs of others more and enabled me to contribute to a broader social and cultural mission within Brewin Dolphin.

 

We have had huge success in the last year, where I helped organise 18 events across our offices. These were attended by 833 employees, 40% of whom were male colleagues, which just shows how engaged our colleagues are with the network. 

 

More recently we have broadened our conversations, including events focussed on Disability and Trans inclusion in the workplace.

 

As a member of the D&I Committee I am part of a team that can influence policy change and our strategy. We have recently enhanced shared parental leave to match that of maternity pay. This means that all Brewin new parents are entitled to the same leave and pay regardless of gender or how they have their child. I am also delighted the committee decided that Brewin should join myGworkto provide a networking space and community for our LGBT+ colleagues and allies.

 

Brewin Dolphin is a great employer and has been very holistic in its support. I have been presented with some great opportunities since I joined. Being involved in all these things makes me feel empowered and valued. In 2018 I was thrilled to be a recognised for my contribution to W@B when I won a People Award at our annual ceremony.

 

Whilst we all know our primary role and can get sucked into it, being part of something additional just adds more to your career and the organisation you work for. We all need stimulus outside of the norm, so my advice is to get out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, acquire new skills. Get noticed.  Find out what sets you apart.

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