What’s behind HSBC’s award-winning EDI strategy? Suz Allen, Head of Emerging Talent for UK, Europe and Americas, explains their approach and benefits.
At HSBC, diversity and inclusion are the foundation of our talent strategy and our purpose: opening up a world of opportunity.
Our commitment is championed at the highest levels, with senior leadership driving inclusion across our global workforce.
HSBC’s early careers team is empowered to deliver a diversity-first approach that creates genuine, lasting opportunities for underrepresented talent—including neurodiverse individuals, Black Heritage talent, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and women.
This unwavering commitment to EDI was recognised with the ISE Award for Outstanding Dedication to Diversity in Student Recruitment.
Vision for systemic change
We focus on long-term, systemic change to ensure HSBC is a place where all talent can belong, thrive, and lead. Our approach is built on:
- Redefining recruitment practices: Removing bias and enhancing accessibility for underrepresented groups.
- Strategic partnerships: Collaborating with leading organisations to widen talent pools.
- Transparency and accountability: Using data to track progress and inform our actions.
- Expanding leadership pathways: Creating opportunities for diverse talent to progress.
- Empowering authenticity: Fostering a culture where every new joiner feels seen, valued, and supported.
- Investing in future generations: Engaging young talent early and equipping them with the skills to succeed.
Our approach in action
Our EDI talent strategy is designed to build a sustainable, future-ready workforce. We’ve broadened entry routes—including apprenticeships and specialist schemes—to attract a wider range of candidates.
Inclusivity is embedded throughout our recruitment and support initiatives, from anonymised CVs to tailored workplace adjustments for candidates with disabilities. Pre-joining support helps all new hires make a strong start and feel confident in their first months.
We leverage data and strategic partnerships to ensure underrepresented talent has clear access to opportunities, support, and career progression.
Results and Impact
- Increased representation: Our structured programmes have contributed to a significant increase in hires from underrepresented groups, including improved gender balance and greater representation from Black Heritage and lower socio-economic backgrounds.
- Broader reach: Through partnerships and virtual experiences, we’ve engaged tens of thousands of young people, providing accessible career insights and practical support.
- Candidate experience: The majority of participants in our early careers programmes report feeling more confident and prepared for their roles, with many citing HSBC’s inclusive culture as a key factor in their decision to join.
- External recognition: Our efforts have been recognised with industry awards, reflecting our leadership in early careers diversity.
- Sustained engagement: Our digital outreach and community partnerships have driven high levels of engagement and increased applications from diverse talent pools.
Collaborative partnerships
Lasting change is only possible through collaboration. HSBC works closely with a range of partners to break down barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented groups. This includes educational foundations, social mobility experts, and community organisations.
These partnerships provide mentorship, skills workshops, and accessible career insights, helping us reach and inspire young people from a variety of backgrounds.
Looking ahead
Diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey. As the world of work evolves, so do we—constantly refining our approach, listening to feedback, and challenging ourselves to do better.
Our future focus includes:
- Continuously refining our success metrics to enhance support where it’s needed most
- Expanding representation in STEM and other growth areas
- Strengthening inclusive onboarding to ensure all hires have an equal start
- Scaling partnerships to reach more underrepresented talent
- Embedding continuous learning through feedback and lived experiences. At HSBC, we hold ourselves accountable to ensure our diversity efforts remain bold, adaptive, and future-ready.