Educational Programmes

DP Pathway Programme – What is it?

A world-leading and award-winning programme tailored for ambitious women across the investment industry who aspire to step into Portfolio Manager or Trader roles. Created by the industry, for the industry, this 12-month programme offers a distinct blend of technical training, leadership development, and peer support – all designed to accelerate progression and long-term career success. We are driving the change we want to see: unlocking female talent to address the lack of women in money-management roles.

What we’ve achieved so far

The Skills Workshop – 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. The Diversity Project, CFA UK, Amplify, and GAIN (Girls are Investors).

What we’ve achieved so far

• More than 26,000 people have attended.
• Gender Representation: Consistent 50:50 gender balance. Inclusive and non-binary-friendly curriculum.
• Age Diversity – Attracted candidates across all age groups new to the sector: Under 18: 2%, 18–24: 53%, 25–35: 33%, Over 35: 11%, Prefer not to say: 1%
• Included undergraduates, postgraduates, and career switchers.
• Geographic Reach: 63% of attendees live outside London, online delivery widened access across the UK.
• Ethnic Diversity: 70% of attendees from minority ethnic groups.
• Social Mobility: 17% of attendees from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

EnCircle – What is it?

EnCircle mentoring circles, led by senior ethnic minority professionals, offer virtual and in-person sessions to early-career individuals, focusing on building future Black leaders in the savings and investments industry. Mentors share their experiences, providing tools, skills, and knowledge to help minority professionals overcome barriers in corporate spaces.

Thank you to the sponsoring firms involved

What we’ve achieved so far

• Number of mailing list subscribers grew by 104%
• Number of in person events – 3 & Virtual – 7
• Number of registrations for 2024 events >2900
• “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.”

Catalyst Education Programme (CEP) – 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 skills sessions, mentoring, and industry insight days.

Thank you to the City of London and the sponsoring firms involved.

What we’ve achieved so far

• In November 2024, 138 students from 97 schools in London and the Southeast commenced the programme.
• Four firms hosted in-person sessions for students at Northern Trust, RBC BlueBay Asset Management, AXA Investment Managers and BlackRock respectively, covering topics like ESG and portfolio construction.
• 60 students attended work experience and insight opportunities across four firms (Legal & General, GIC, WTW and PGIM) in the summer of 2025.
• Over 100 students booked CISI exams to sit over the summer. The current pass rate to date, with 30% of students completing the exam is 93%

The Walking Exchange

The Diversity Project is excited to introduce The Walking Exchange, a new cross-firm mentoring experience designed to bring together mid-career professionals (7-15 years’ experience) and senior leaders (20+ years’ industry experience) from across our Member firms. Helping Member firms retain, develop, and inspire talent across the industry. 

Blending career development with wellbeing, these mentoring walks help individuals build meaningful connections, support career development through structured, informal mentorship conversations – one walk at a time.   

The Walking Exchange is open to all roles and backgrounds, and fosters inclusive, cross-industry connections that inspire growth, confidence, and collaboration.  

Open to employees of Diversity Project Member Firms only.