Global perspectives

What is the Multicultural Network?

The MCN's three key aims are to educate, support, and celebrate cultural diversity. By working towards these goals, we believe we can make Baillie Gifford a more inclusive place to work. We are a multicultural company as much as we are a multinational company and we believe this is something to be celebrated.

Why was it founded?

Baillie Gifford held a diversity and inclusion open space event at the start of 2019. Race and ethnicity were one of the key topics of discussion. It became clear that more could be done to support cultural diversity and inclusion within the firm. Following the success of other initiatives, such as the LGBT Network and the Mental Health Group, staff felt setting up a network would be the best way forward.  

The running of the network is staff driven and that is hugely important, but we have also benefitted greatly from the support of partners. Additionally, we’ve learned from other diversity and inclusion networks who have worked with us and given us advice.

What are the benefits to the firm of having this network?

We hope it will make Baillie Gifford a more inclusive place to work, which will ultimately lead to a more collaborative environment. Having people from different backgrounds at the company brings the benefit of offering many viewpoints and allows for challenges to be approached from different angles. Additionally, we are a global company with a diverse range of clients and offices in a number of locations. Having a deeper understanding of other cultures will not only make the firm more inclusive but could help to improve our relationships with our stakeholders and staff across our international offices too.  

How would you like to see the network develop?

We would like the group to grow and see staff engage with what we’re trying to achieve. We are also planning to have speakers come in to the firm to talk about topics that are important to us. Furthermore, we are building relationships with external organisations that can support our aims and ambitions, in a similar way to how Stonewall has supported our LGBT Network. We also plan to hold events within Baillie Gifford to engage and encourage colleagues to embrace the differences between us.