Aimed at sharing best practice within the HR community, the launch featured presentations on Aviva's approach to embedding diversity within the business and a demonstration of the "Respect Diversity Toolkit," an extensive online resource for Aviva's 1,000 HR managers around the world.

Comprising a variety of learning tools, the toolkit - which was introduced internationally across Aviva last year - includes case studies, interactive games, presentations, research, bench marking information, and an award-winning DVD, "Embracing Diversity," all designed to empower HR managers to embed the key principles of diversity and respect around the Aviva world.

Louella Eastman, Aviva's group corporate social responsibility director, said, "Aviva is committed to embracing diversity in everything we do, and the -˜Respect Diversity Toolkit' is designed to make sure we move the diversity agenda forward consistently in every market Aviva operates in around the world. Our aim was to produce a world-class resource that would provide a real catalyst for change."