Educational Programmes
What is it?
It is a world leading, award winning programme that focuses on developing the Female Portfolio Managers of the future. The programme seeks to drive real change by unlocking female talent in order to address the absence of women in money-managing roles. This is a programme created by the industryfor the industry.
What’ve acheived so far
- In 2023 we had 60 participants from 33 companies.
- In 2024 this expanded to 80 participants from 43 companies.
- 93% of participants rated the programme a 4 or 5 out of 5*.
- Out of inaugural group, 28 have already received promotions, either during the
programme or within six months since completion. - 13 of these promotions have been to a Portfolio Manager or Investment decision
making role.
What is it?
Helping young people break into the industry, this free five-month virtual programme, created by industry professionals, focuses on the intersection of gender, social mobility, and race. It offers students,
graduates, and young people (18+) essential insights, education, and guidance to start a career in the investment and savings industry. TalkAboutBlack, The Diversity Project, CFA UK, Amplify, and GAIN (Girls are Investors)
What’ve acheived so far
- Over 26,000 people have attended.
- Over 75% of our audience is made up of non-white ethnicities.
- Participants are 50% female.
- Over 1/3 of people taking part would see positive socioeconomic mobility by
working in financial services. - 92% of attendees said they learned more about our industry and would consider
applying for a role within it”
What is it?
EnCircle mentoring circles, led by senior ethnic minority professionals, offer virtual and in-person sessionsto early-career individuals, focusing on building future Black leaders in the savings and investmentsindustry. Mentors share their experiences, providing tools, skills, and knowledge to help minorityprofessionals overcome barriers in corporate spaces.#TalkAboutBlack, The Diversity Project, and sponsoring firms
What’ve acheived so far
- Events: 1 annual, 7 virtual and 4 in-person – average 60 attendees per event.
- 23.8k impressions on LinkedIn.
- “EnCircle Mentoring Circles have been a fantastic way to connect and learn from
fellow black professionals in the industry. I encourage others to join to build their
network and grow professionally.”
What is it?
This multi-year education programme is designed to introduce 16-18 year-olds from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to opportunities in the savings and investment industry. It offers skillssessions, mentoring, and industry insight days.TalkAboutBlack, City of London, The Diversity Project, and sponsoring firms”
What’ve acheived so far
- In 2023, 70 students joined in London, with a new Bristol hub welcoming 20+
students. - 83% CISI Level 2 pass rate for all pupils.
- Social media engagement: LinkedIn: 22.8k views, Instagram: 119.3k views.
- Sponsors hosted 5 sessions for students.
- 6 firms provided work experience opportunities
What is it?
Cross-Company Returner Programme, aimed at employers in the investment and savings industry based in London or surrounding areas. The 6-month returnship provides experienced professionals who have taken career breaks of 18 months or more with a supported route back to mid-to-senior level roles. Alongside Career Returners, we partner with participating organisations to design, promote, support and manage the programme. Returner hires will take on a real job in one of the participating firms. They will benefit from Career Returners’ Coaching Programme as a cohort and will enjoy being part of a cross-company returner peer group.
What’ve acheived so far
- To date, we have 59 returners take part in this programme.
- More than 20 Member Firms took part.
- 90% of participants secured a permanent position