Research Services - Assessing the extent of, and reasons for, gender imbalance among UK senior actuaries

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The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) regulates auditors, accountants and actuaries and sets the UK's Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes. We seek to promote transparency and integrity in business; our work is aimed at investors and others who rely on company accounts, audit, and high-quality risk management.

The FRC is encouraging listed companies to increase the level of diversity in their UK operations. Companies need to consider how diversity and inclusion are relevant to the specific circumstances of their business, the markets they operate in, the workforce upon which they rely and the customers and communities they serve.

The FRC aims to maintain high standards and guidance in actuarial work to protect the public interest from the risks arising from actuarial work. In addition to its own promoting of high standards of equality, diversity, and inclusion among our regulated community, the FRC was interested in gathering evidence specifically on the extent of, and reasons for, gender imbalance among Scheme Actuaries (for Pension Schemes) and Chief Actuaries (for Insurers).

The objectives of the research project are to: A. Gather and assess primary evidence on the reasons for gender imbalances among senior actuaries (Scheme Actuaries for Pension Schemes, and Chief Actuaries for Insurers). B. Assess the barriers/disincentives for women to progress towards senior actuarial positions. Are there consistent themes to such barriers? At what point(s) in a person's career path do the identified barriers tend to be most often experienced? C. Identify (and document) cases where good practice has facilitated women's progression to senior positions in the actuarial profession

We anticipate the information needed to meet the objectives outlined above will best be gathered using interviews and focus groups. However, bidders may suggest alternative engagement formats, approaches and innovations if beneficial.

The engagements would be driven by an interview/topic guide developed by the contractor's research team, working closely with the FRC's subject matter experts, as well as any other expertise the contractor can offer (please specify in your proposal). Bidders should provide examples of potential topics and questions in their proposals. These should be of sufficient breadth and depth to demonstrate the research team's knowledge of the relevant issues, as well as their ability to apply this effectively in the specified engagement formats.

The FRC recognises that, due to the subject matter, participants may wish to remain anonymous. The research contractor will need to assure participants of the confidentiality of any information they disclose and that it will only be used in anonymised form.

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Additional information: THIS IS A CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE - THIS TENDER OPPORTUNITY IS CLOSED /AWARDED.