Connectr's interactive Lunch & Learn Workshop will explore the 3 under-utilised tools for driving the progression and retention of underrepresented talent within the UK Financial and Professional Services.

This workshop follows the launch of Progress Together, a new sector membership body to boost socio-economic diversity at senior level, commissioned by the City of London Corporation.

Landscape:

Research shows 94% of employees would stay longer at their organisation if it invested in their career progression. Yet, 81% of UK employees have no formal development or progression plan in place.

And specifically within the UK's Financial Sector, there is severe lack of equal progression opportunity for underrepresented talent groups:

• 9 in 10 senior roles are held by people from higher socio-economic backgrounds.
• Those from lower socio-economic groups take 25% longer to progress, despite no evidence of poorer performance.
• For individuals who also identify as being from Black heritage, this increases to 32%.

This painful reality needs to be addressed. Firms are missing out on the value of their overlooked, 'unlocked' talent simply due to the barriers they face. By removing these barriers, businesses will maximise and retain their most critical asset to success.

Takeaways:

In interactive roundtable discussions, this workshop will explore the key ways in which Financial and Professional Services firms can strategically drive the progression and retention of diverse talent through the power of:

• Role models.
• Story-telling.
• Mentoring with purpose.

Attendees will also find out how to become an organisational member of the City of London Corporation commissioned membership body, Progress Together, focusing on driving socio-economic diversity at senior level within the sector.

Panelists:

• Simon Reichwald, Strategic Lead for Talent at Connectr | Delivery Lead for Progress Together Membership Body
• Damien Shieber, Head of Culture & Experience at Santander | Founding Partner of Progress Together Membership Body
• Richard Rowntree, Managing Director at Paragon Bank | Founding Partner of Progress Together Membership Body

Places are limited for this workshop. Please register your attendance and a member of our team will be in touch to confirm your place. If you have any questions, please email: hannah.wiltshire@connectr.com.