Responsible business
Responsible employer
We are a values-led organisation and we strive to attract, develop and retain the best talent
Our Values and Code of Conduct
We have a fiduciary duty to our clients as managers of their financial assets. Our commitment to our clients is reflected in our Values and in our Global Code of Conduct which all employees review at least annually and formally sign, acknowledging how we must always act. We expect to be held accountable to our Values, as set out below, in all we do.
Client Focus: Our company was built on serving and satisfying clients, and meeting our clients’ needs is always our number one priority. We make a positive difference in our clients’ lives.
Integrity always: We uphold the highest standards of integrity and stand behind what we say and do. We know that trust must be earned continually and are committed to transparency in our financial disclosures.
Excellence in all we do: When we execute with excellence, success naturally follows. We provide world-class service and innovative product solutions and are personally accountable for delivering results and maintaining the highest quality.
Respect for individuals and for the communities in which we live and work: We respect each other, value diversity and work as a team to meet our goals. We value our people, encourage their development and reward their performance. We are good citizens in our communities.
DEI initiatives & Industry partnerships
Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion is a strategic priority and by creating an inclusive environment that values ideas and perspectives from many different backgrounds, we leverage the varied skills and insights of our people to identify and develop the best ideas, solutions and opportunities for our clients. We participate in several initiatives to ensure a diverse and inclusive culture both within our organisation and the wider financial services industry.
10,000 Interns Foundation
The 10,000 Black Interns programme was founded in 2020 in response to underrepresented Black talent in British businesses.
Since its start, we have supported the programme by welcoming talented, Black university students and recent graduates to benefit from paid hands-on work experience across our business units each summer.
In 2024, we extended our partnership with the 10,000 Interns Foundation to include 10,000 Able Interns, a programme offering paid internships to graduates from all ethnicities and students with disabilities.
Investment 20/20
We have supported Investment 20/20 (i20/20), an initiative that aims to improve social mobility among young people in the UK, since 2014. We provide students who are eager to work in the investment management industry with development and networking opportunities through the 12-month i20/20 trainee programme.
“Through Investment 20/20 I get many chances to learn about the different aspects of the industry in formal and informal sessions. I have picked up new hard and soft skills and networked with other trainees who are building their careers. Overall, this has helped me become a more rounded individual and I am grateful to be a part of the programme.”
Emmanuel Blair
Investment Graduate Trainee
The Diversity Project
We continue to work with The Diversity Project in the UK on their award-winning Pathway to Fund Management programme, which focuses on unlocking the hidden talents of aspiring female portfolios managers.
Girls Are Investors (GAIN)
We are partnering with Girls are Investors (GAIN) to help improve gender diversity in our organisation by developing a strong pipeline of female and non-binary talent at the entry-level.
Women in Finance Charter
Columbia Threadneedle signed His Majesty’s Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter in March 2016, becoming a founding signatory and the first asset manager to sign the Charter. Since then, we have worked to implement changes that drive improved gender balance across our EMEA business.
We actively measure gender balance initiatives and report to senior management on a regular basis to ensure we continue to make progress. Read our 2024 WIFC annual update. In addition, our gender pay gap reports can be found at the bottom of this page.
Employee Networks & Development
Our 13 global, employee-led Business Resource Networks (BRNs) provide opportunities for employees to feel supported and empowered through building communities with like-minded colleagues, increasing their cultural awareness, engaging with allies and celebrating diversity. In EMEA we have BRN chapters across:
Black Employee Network
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Network
Women’s Interest Network
Abilities Network
Learning and development
Employees can access a range of diversity, equity and inclusion learnings, which include panel discussions and online courses, with a focus on allyship to provide support for our employees and to create a strong sense of belonging for everyone.
Women’s Leadership Academy
In 2023, our Women’s Leadership Academy was launched, to help high-performing women to fulfil their professional potential. Participants experience an impactful leadership development journey, learning from instructors, senior level leaders, and each other, through a variety of experiences.
DEI initiatives in Europe
Fondsfrauen
We work with Fondsfrauen in Germany, an initiative aimed at helping women who aspire to work in the asset management industry and those who are already in the industry looking to advance their careers.
SHEconomy
We support SHEconomy, an online and print investment publication and community hub designed for women working in finance in Germany and Austria.
Frauen im Asset Management
Frauen im Asset Management (FAM) was co-founded in 2023 by two of our female employees and other women in the asset management industry in Austria. Participants take part in educational and networking events to support their career progression.
