#TalkAboutBlack

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

Our 2023 objectives are: 

• Safe Space: #TAB aims to create a safe space for all, where minorities and majorities can air their experiences without being labelled or shamed, combatting issue fatigue by refreshing the structures of debate and updating the narrative to focus on inclusion.
• Intersectionality of age and ethnicity: #TAB will focus on harmonising its communications across the web, social media and email and focus on appealing to different demographics (Catalyst, The Skills Workshop, EnCircle and the Black Leaders Programme).
• Measurement of impact and accountability: #TAB will report on progress against our KPIs and the impact data across all programmes. We aim to give our participants feedback on what has changed based on the data they gave us. We will support all the firms that work with us as sponsors for our programmes to develop accountability tools.

To see our full #TalkAboutBlack aims and objectives, please click here

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.

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]