The biggest risk is not taking risks: How to build new routes into financial services

14 July, 2 PM - 3 PM BST

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Explore why building new entry routes and development opportunities for talent from underrepresented backgrounds is a number one priority for Financial Services, and learn how to drive the right conversations - and actions - from Citibank and Aspect Capital.

With the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) prioritising diversity and inclusion initiatives to drive positive change in the sector, there is no excuse for not taking action to improve diversity, social mobility, and inclusion across every level of your organisation. In a sector where candidates with different, marginalised backgrounds still often don't see themselves represented, business leaders realise that they can't keep repeating the same thing and expecting different results. So they are looking into building new strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining talent from underrepresented backgrounds.

While most organisations are starting to identify the merit and potential of young talent beyond a University degree, University graduates are still at the front of the queue to access the best employment opportunities. It is up to every individual leader to tackle misconceptions surrounding hiring talent through less traditional routes.

So how can you make a powerful case for building access to opportunities for underrepresented talent, and create a positive change internally and externally?

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Speakers

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Jacqui Lloyd, Senior Vice President - Apprenticeship Lead at Citi, is leading Citi's Apprenticeship strategy with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. She is bringing operational knowledge of Learning & Development, Diversity & Inclusion, Early in Career Talent Management, and HR best practice to make a positive impact. Jacqui has spoken at a number of events like The Apprentice and School Leavers Conference, The Stonewall Workplace Conference, and Out in STEM at the Royal Society. She is also a Diversity Role Model.

Amanda Cherry, Director of Organisational Development, Aspect Capital, started her career as Apprentice, and is using her voice to change the status quo for the industry:
“Historically, we’ve taken on grads or people with a couple of years of experience under their belt. To be honest, we’ve been prone to some intellectual bias. We’ve always thought that to do virtually any role here, you need a degree. But, when the roles are more administrative or junior, that’s just not the case. The apprentices soak up so much information and they’re so positive about being given an opportunity to learn, rather than just itching to move up the corporate ladder. Even better, they’re trained in your way of thinking and doing” (Continue reading)