#TalkAboutBlack

Our purpose is to build a pipeline of cross-industry Black leaders. We utilise a combination of mentoring, education, though leadership and public speaking to increase the opportunities for Black people and professionals and challenge the structures that inhibit progression.

Our objectives for 2022 are: 

• The 90% campaign – An aspirational goal for the industry to achieve a 90% ethnicity disclosure rate within two years. Together with the Race and Ethnicity workstream we have launched this campaign and will promote it as part of our work to make discussions around race less of a taboo subject.
• We will continue to build resilience and scale of the key programmes we run: the Catalyst Education Programme, The Skills Workshop, EnCircle mentoring, C-Suite mentoring and taboo events. As part of this we are expanding our support infrastructure which includes seeking new volunteers to re-energise and push forward initiatives and hiring a virtual assistant for programme delivery. 

• We will be Introducing KPIs and gathering impact data across all programmes to more formally measure and report on success.
• This year #TalkAboutBlack will focus on collaborating and sharing resources with our colleagues across the Diversity Project dimensions of D,E & I to maximise impact and address intersectional challenges. 

Within 3 years:

• Our campaign will see our industry agree quantitative targets to reduce the ethnicity pay gap and increase the number of Black leaders at the C-suite. We will continue to be at the forefront of thought leadership and breaking down barriers on these issues. 

To receive invitations to our events and to learn more about our work sign up to the #TalkAboutBlack mailing list.

#TAB programmes

The Catalyst Education Programme (CEP) – (16-18 years)

The challenge: The socio-economic situation in which many UK-born black people find themselves. UK Black-Caribbean and Black-African individuals experience higher rates of unemployment and are more likely to become victims of crime.

The solution: To provide economically disadvantaged pupils with the aspiration, belief and tools to develop a career in the asset management industry. A joint venture between local schools, The Corporation of the City of London, the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, IntoUniversity and #TalkAboutBlack. 

A multi-year education and training programme launched in November 2020. Year 12 & 13 students will take part, with Asset Managers and Investment Consultants providing skills sessions, mentoring, industry insight days and bursaries for the sponsorship of students.

The Skills Workshop (18+)

The challenge: Should these individuals achieve a good education; they are less likely to be successful in securing their preferred roles; are either not attracted to asset management due to its perceived lack of diversity or in many cases simply not aware. 

The solution: An exciting six-month programme giving students insight (into an exciting industry), knowledge (to make informed choices) and direction (to start their career). Truly inclusive: All age groups welcome (from pre-university to postgraduates and mature students) All university disciplines and subjects welcome. All predicted grades welcome. The programmer runs virtually removing barriers to participation such as geography, socio-economic status or race. 

EnCircle mentoring (minority professionals with 1-10 years’ experience)

The challenge: When these Black individuals do break into the industry, they typically end up in support functions, have higher rates of attrition and rarely progress to leadership or revenue-generating positions.

The solution: Mentoring circles led by senior ethnic minority professionals, who will share their experiences and discuss the tools required to navigate the barriers faced throughout their career. Peer support and networking opportunities to increase the retention of Black professionals.

City Hive Cross-Company Mentoring Scheme 

Mission: To empower black professionals to navigate the transitions throughout their career and future proof the investment industry with diverse talent. 

Think tank and advocacy group working in partnership with companies to build an inclusive investment management industry and an equitable and sustainable society.

Black Leaders Programme

Mission: To create opportunities and support Black talent with 10+ industry experience to develop into leadership positions.

Cross-industry Senior Black Talent Mentoring/Reverse Mentoring Programme. Delivered in partnership with the Investment Association. A combination of executive coaching and 121 mentoring with current industry C-Suite professionals helps create a genuinely safe space to discuss unconscious bias, privilege, the myth of meritocracy, to set individual goals and to champion talent.

TABOO

The challenge: Discussions around race in our industry and society remain a Taboo subject. To resolve issues in the workplace requires resolving issues in society.

The solution: #TalkAboutBlack utilises thought leadership, roundtable debates, panel discussions, online videos, mainstream/trade media and social media to break the taboo subject that is race in our industry and society.

To find out more about how your firm can engage with the programmes please: [email protected]