Our LGBTQ+ network: Proud

Committed to embracing diversity, we have a strong and active Proud network in place within our global firm. Run by employees, the group is aimed at promoting equity and visibility within the organization and to the wider financial services market.

The Proud network within our global firm promotes equity and visibility of our LGBTQ+ community. In full, these letters stand for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and additional variations. Aegon has various Proud groups, serving different regions and run by employees who feel connected to the goals and initiatives.

Live your best life

Proud collaborates with other Inclusion and Diversity initiatives across all of our Aegon group companies, to create an environment that welcomes everyone to live their best lives. Externally, we are visible to our clients, peers, future talent and the wider financial services market. For society, we sponsor and collaborate with LGBTQ+ organizations, both nationally and globally.

 

Supported by the global management board

To emphasize its importance, Proud is sponsored and supported by the Aegon AM global management board and reporting up to the global I&D council.

Workplace Pride member and ambassador

Aegon Ltd is a member of the Workplace Pride foundation, striving to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. Additionally, Aegon Ltd participates in their independent, annual Global Workplace Pride benchmark. The benchmark measures LGBTQ+ policies and practices of employers. For the fifth consecutive year, Aegon Ltd has received the Ambassador status; awarded to organizations that score between 70% and 90% on their inclusion in the workplace.


Source: 2023 WPP Global benchmark results. Status is as of 3 November 2023, based upon the full year 2022. Workplace Pride is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to improving the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) people in workplaces worldwide. Aegon NV is a Foundation Member and does not provide compensation for the designation.

Corporate Equality Index 2022

The Corporate Equality Index (CEI) is the Human Rights Campaign’s national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices and benefits in relation to the LGBTQ+ community. It is US based and is seen to be the leading benchmark in this space.

In 2022, Aegon Asset Management US have achieved an amazing score of 95/100 on the Corporate Equality Index. We are excited to see our continued commitment to I&D being reflected is this result.


(Source: CEI 2022 Appendices C report).

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equality Index (CEI) score of 95/100 is as of January 2022 and is reflective of Aegon AM US' workplace rating on LGBTQ inclusive policies, practices, and benefits in 2021. Approximately 73% of 1,271 participants received a score of 95 or higher. The CEI score can range from 0 to 100 (worst to best). The scoring system is designed for mid- to large-sized businesses (500 full-time employees and above) and is based on assessment of the following categories: Workforce Protections, Inclusive benefits, Supporting an Inclusive Culture & Corporate Social Responsibility, and Responsible Citizenship. HRC does not require a fee for providing this score. Additional details on the sub-criteria can be found on the HRC website.

Internal training and development

To continuously improve an inclusive culture, we’ve been focusing on developing our employees. We do this via various trainings, such as ‘The LGBTQIA+ alphabet’, ‘Unconscious Bias’ and ‘Let’s Talk: Inclusion’. Helping our employees increase their awareness of their own judgments and behaviors in how we interact with the people around us. 

In support and celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility

On March 31, it’s International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). It’s a day to acknowledge, celebrate and support transgender and non-binary people. To some, this might sound like a distant topic. The truth however, is you probably know people who define as such. We invite you to read our article which includes both helpful guidance and shares some personal thoughts from Aegon colleagues. Read full article here.   

Activities

We organize a series of activities throughout the year; either to promote visibility, or to host social events and have fun together. Or even better: a combination of both!

We pay attention to annual awareness days such as Transgender Day of Visibility, International Day Against Homophobia and Coming Out Day. When we can, we visit Gay Pride events or meet up at LGBTQ+ film festivals.

Discover more about our other I&D groups, sponsorships and collaborations.

Contact Us

Would you like to know more about Aegon Proud?

Ross Bradley-Rae (he/him)

Ross Bradley-Rae (he/him)

Co-Chair of Proud @ AegonAM / Global Head of Client & Commercial Operations

Maja Blauw (they/them)

Maja Blauw (they/them)

Co-Chair of Proud @ AegonAM / Senior Marketing Manager