Diversity and inclusion

The Armed Forces Network aims to:

• Attract and welcome veterans and reservists to the firm.
• Identify and offer the support, nurturing, and inclusion needed for veterans, reservists, or those with family members serving.
• Promote understanding of the transferable skills, experience and values that military people bring to our firm and industry.
• Lead the firm’s Acts of Remembrance.
• Support military charities and organisations via events and fundraising.

The BShe Network, founded in 2022, has two main aims:

• To enhance Baillie Gifford’s approach to support all who identify as women in their career progression.
• To build awareness and source active allies across Baillie Gifford, opening the network to all employees.

In doing so, we hope to demonstrate progression towards a more diverse, equal and inclusive firm. The network's aims and goals are consistent with the shared belief that our firm must be an engaging and progressive place to work.

The LGBT+ Network launched in March 2018. Its activities support an inclusive culture and open working environment, which commands respect for all employees, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Through a range of initiatives, the network actively encourages conversations and engagement on LGBT+ matters within the firm and beyond.

Comprising both LGBT+ colleagues and allies, the network also offers guidance to staff and ensures policies and procedures are LGBT+ inclusive.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Group strives to foster a culture that promotes mental health and wellbeing. With our colleagues’ holistic wellbeing a priority, we have developed ‘five ways of wellbeing’ to support staff.

We are committed to reducing the stigma around mental health, through training to increase awareness and understanding, a supportive employee assistance programme and a focus on building resilience.

In 2021, the firm joined the Charter for Employers Positive about Mental Health.

The Multicultural Network was established in 2019 with the mission to celebrate, promote, and support cultural diversity within Baillie Gifford.

By planning events that celebrate our community and promote awareness, the group hopes to educate, engage and improve cultural diversity and inclusion within the firm..

The Neurodiversity Group was established in 2020 to celebrate different minds and provide support on neurodiversity matters based on our shared experiences.

We hope by sharing our stories, we can educate and inspire, both within Baillie Gifford and further afield.

Anyone interested in creating a more neuroinclusive workplace is welcome to join us as we seek to challenge attitudes, offer fresh perspectives, and collaborate with stakeholders across the firm to make a better working environment for all.

The Working Families and Carers Network was set up in 2020 to support working parents and unpaid carers.

The network has three aims.

First, to create a support network and foster a culture of understanding and respect for working parents and unpaid carers.

Second, to share, promote and champion family-friendly and carer policies and guidance.

Finally, to help provide support throughout the parental journey, including preparing for parental leave through to the return-to-work transition and beyond.