RSA makes pledge as it announces Gain membership

RSA has joined the Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity (Gain) – and in turn has made a commitment to help the sector remove barriers to neuro-inclusivity.

In a statement released today (26 September 2023), the insurer said it had joined Gain as an industry transformer so it can take further steps to help neurodiverse employees “flourish”.

As part of the move, it has made a three year commitment to improving the employment prospects of those who are neurodiverse.

Working with Gain, RSA will carry out a review to see where investments can be made and training can be offered to achieve this.

Johnny Timpson, supervisory board member of Gain, said: “I welcome RSA joining the Gain community and their commitment to leading the transformation of the insurance industry.

“[They] recognise and champion cognitive diversity and the strengths of neurodivergent colleagues, provide flexible work arrangements and reasonable adjustments and develop a supportive ecosystem and culture that creates and enables a more neuroinclusive workplace and profession where everyone can belong, be empowered and thrive.”

New appointment

As part of the move, RSA announced it had made chief technical underwriting officer Emily Fraser as the group’s first Neurodiversity Ambassador.

Fraser, who has who has ADHD and dyslexia, will take responsibility for helping the insurer support neurodiverse employees’ experience and capitalise on opportunities.

“I’ve experienced and seen first-hand the many challenges neurodiverse people face including the stigmas and outdated beliefs that people hold,” Fraser said.

“But, I’ve learnt that with the right strategies and positive curiosity, being neurodiverse can be a huge advantage.

“I see this role as the perfect time to start to reframe what it means to be neurodiverse, recognise the huge strengths neurodivergent people have, including the resiliency of growing up in an environment not designed for you. I’m really excited because this role gives us a fantastic platform to be an employer of choice for neurodiversity.”