HSBC Bermuda has launched a new diversity and inclusion initiative called the Diversity Champions Programme.The Diversity Champions Programme is designed to increase the participation and support of bank employees in furthering the bank’s diversity and inclusion goals.“We want to be the employer of choice in Bermuda,” said Simon Des-Etages, the HSBC Bermuda general counsel and co-chair of its Diversity Council, “and will only achieve that by creating an open, diverse and inclusive work environment”.Under the Diversity Champions Programme, one employee in each of HSBC Bermuda’s functional and business areas is nominated by their manager to assist in the implementation of the Bank’s diversity and inclusion strategy by organising employee or community events or implementing initiatives supportive of that strategy.“Diversity Champions, with the support of their managers, the bank’s senior management team and Diversity Council, will work with their colleagues to organise diversity and inclusion events, increasing employee participation in this important area and creating a sense of shared ownership in the Bank’s diversity and inclusion objectives,” said Philip Butterfield, HSBC Bermuda CEO and co-chair of the bank’s Diversity Council.“In the first year of the programme we will have 15 Diversity Champions, representing all major business lines and support groups within the bank. The Diversity Champions are chosen from amongst our most talented employees, and so we also see the programme as a great opportunity to develop our leaders of the future.”The HSBC Bermuda Diversity & Inclusion Council is excited about this new programme and the opportunity that our workforce has to contribute to the success of the local community and our organisation.Please join us in celebrating this very important launch!