As the bank of the European Union, we are committed to the EU’s objectives and values, and aspire to live up to one of its founding principles – United in diversity.
Diversity and Inclusion encompass everything that makes us who we are. We believe that encouraging colleagues to be comfortable bringing their identities to work is essential to the success and development of the Bank, and reflects Europe itself. Our diverse backgrounds, perspectives and passions help us shape the inclusive environment in which we work every day.
We champion diversity and inclusion not only because of the undeniable business benefits they bring, but also because we truly value their power to enrich our environment.
Strategy for Diversity and Inclusion at the EIB
An inclusive culture requires both action and commitment. We believe it is the responsibility of each and every one of us at the Bank to foster inclusion.
A diverse and inclusive workplace is the key to having higher performing colleagues, more innovative solutions and greater motivation and engagement.
We will realise our vision of a work environment where everyone contributes to the best of their ability through our 2018-2021 Strategy for Diversity and Inclusion , which is centred on three pillars:
- Protect
- Impact
- Invest
The three priority areas of our internal Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Strategy echo those of the EIB Group Gender Strategy in Operations , which provides an overarching framework for embedding gender equality considerations and, in particular, women’s economic empowerment in the Group’s activities.
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Share of women at the EIB: evolution and 2021 target
Disability at the EIB
Here at the EIB we care about your different abilities and special needs. We support colleagues with disabilities through the recruitment process, the on-boarding and throughout their time at the Bank. We raise awareness through external and internal initiatives and regularly participate in careers fairs specific to people with disabilities to encourage you to apply.
Our colleagues with disabilities have already made significant contributions to reaching the Bank’s objectives. They also create inclusive teams and offer a different perspective on ways of working and collaborating that are beneficial to all.
Our disability@eib.org mailbox is a point of contact for any of you with a disability who would like further information or may require any reasonable adjustments during the selection process or after joining us.Our diversity and inclusion partners
To reach our objective of a more inclusive workplace, we support our formal and staff-led groups – the main partners with whom we coordinate our activities and initiatives.
The Joint Committee on Equal Opportunities (COPEC)
COPEC is our independent committee promoting equal opportunities for all staff members. It consists of 10 delegates, five appointed by the EIB’s department for personnel management and five by the college of Staff Representatives.
Within its responsibilities to promote and foster equal opportunities, COPEC can propose actions and initiatives to the EIB’s department for personnel management and to the management committee, is consulted on proposals affecting personnel policy to be submitted to the management committee, monitors managerial selection processes and raises awareness regarding diversity and inclusion.
As diversity and inclusion are key elements of corporate responsibility, the Corporate Responsibility Department actively supports the Bank’s D&I efforts and initiatives.
The Department further ensures that the Bank communicates appropriately on its diversity and inclusion policies and practises, both externally by publishing corporate responsibility documentation such as the Sustainability Report and by responding to information requests from external stakeholders, and internally through awareness-raising presentations to various audiences.
In addition, the following networks have been set up by staff as informal and collaborative fora to support specific communities:
- ConnectedWomen is a forum open to all women working within the EIB Group, as well as to everyone interested in gender diversity, and willing to share their experience and advice in a constructive manner. ConnectedWomen aims to develop practical solutions for everyday challenges encountered in the workplace.
- The LGBT+ network is open to all LGBT+ people in the Bank and to all interested in meeting and discussing with the LGBT+ staff community. The network aims to facilitate exchange among peers, protect against any kind of discrimination, support the Bank to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues and act to make the EIB Group an example of a tolerant, diverse and accepting employer of choice.
- enAble is a support network for colleagues living with a disability, caring for a person with a disability, a chronic illness or special needs, and for all motivated and interested staff. enAble aims to raise awareness and advocate for disability rights, in line with European and international legislation and with the motto of organisations representing persons with disabilities and carers: “Nothing about us without us.”
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