Barclays has confirmed it will no longer enforce gender and ethnicity-based diversity targets within its United States operations, signalling a significant shift in its global DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) strategy. The move aligns with a broader trend among some multinational corporations adjusting their DEI programmes in response to political pressures and shifting legal landscapes in the US. However, the bank remains committed to advancing its diversity goals across other regions, including here in the UK .
The decision means that approximately 11,600 Barclays employees in the US will no longer be subject to global targets aimed at increasing representation of women and underrepresented ethnic groups in senior leadership roles. Under previous targets, the bank had set an ambitious goal of 33% female representation and 50% from underrepresented ethnic groups in director and managing director roles by the end of 2025.
While the rollback in the US reflects growing unease among some American firms about the legal risks and public scrutiny surrounding DEI programmes, Barclays has been quick to reassure stakeholders in the UK and Europe that its commitment to inclusion remains intact.
A spokesperson for Barclays said, “We continue to believe that a diverse and inclusive culture is essential to our long-term success. We are maintaining our global diversity ambitions outside the United States, where legal contexts and cultural expectations are different.”
A Measured UK Response
In the UK, where Barclays employs over 43,000 people, the decision has sparked discussion among industry leaders, but has not triggered the same kind of retreat seen in the US. British organisations, on the whole, have been less inclined to roll back on DEI commitments. A recent survey by the Institute of Directors found that 71% of UK business leaders have no intention of scaling back their diversity and inclusion policies, even in light of changing international trends.
For many, Barclays' dual approach serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of context-sensitive DEI strategies. “The regulatory and social climates in the US and UK are very different,” noted DEI consultant Muneera Patel. “In the UK, there remains strong legal and ethical support for businesses to pursue equality, representation, and anti-discrimination goals.”
Global Context and Local Values
Barclays’ announcement comes amid a wave of DEI policy reversals across several global firms. US-based companies like Citigroup have also recently moved to reconsider their diversity benchmarks following political challenges and legal scrutiny related to affirmative action and anti-discrimination legislation.
Despite the turbulence abroad, many UK-based companies continue to see DEI as a cornerstone of modern business. Financial institutions, legal firms, and public sector employers across the country are continuing to invest in initiatives that support equity and representation in recruitment, leadership development, and corporate culture.
“The UK has made real strides in recent years toward inclusive workplaces,” said DEI strategist Farah Mahmood. “But the conversation is far from over. We must be vigilant and ensure that external pressures don’t dilute the progress we’ve fought so hard to make.”
What This Means for UK Professionals
For employees and job seekers in the UK, Barclays' reaffirmation of its DEI goals on home soil is a sign that inclusion remains a priority—at least for now. It also underscores the need for transparency and accountability when it comes to corporate diversity strategies.
Organisations will be watching closely to see how Barclays balances its dual approach moving forward. Will other UK employers feel emboldened to follow suit and tailor DEI goals by region? Or will this become a moment of reckoning, forcing businesses to re-evaluate how genuine their commitments to diversity really are?
One thing is clear: in an increasingly global business environment, companies must navigate complex and sometimes conflicting pressures. For UK professionals invested in inclusive workplaces, this is a moment to stay informed, vocal, and engaged.
Diversity Dashboard Newsroom