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A message from Karis Stander, Investment20/20 MD

A MESSAGE FROM KARIS STANDER

The FCA published its latest multi-firm review in December, 'Understanding approaches to D&I in financial services', outlining its observations of how firms are designing and embedding diversity and inclusion strategies. While almost everyone they spoke to were committed to and passionate about making progress, good intentions need to be backed up with actions orientated to achieving firms’ goals. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental contributors to culture transformation and the FCA is encouraging firms to take a more holistic approach rather than be limited to addressing just one or two demographic characteristics.

The FCA also found that firms tend to focus on improving representation at senior leadership level despite having data showing that the biggest drop-off in representation is from junior to middle management grades. To build greater diversity in the next generation of leaders, efforts need to remain on thoughtful and inclusive entry level recruitment practices, with an equal focus on the development and progression of those starting their careers to ensure meaningful and long-lasting change.

Investment20/20 exists to support the industry in achieving this by taking an industry-led approach to drive a forward-looking, responsible and inclusive investment industry where member firms attract, develop and retain talented people from all backgrounds. We are proud of our many alumni who have gone on to develop successful industry careers which is evidenced through our alumni research.

Through our sector-wide approach to talent outreach, we offer a comprehensive range of student engagement programmes, and in 2022, we delivered over 300 outreach events. In the autumn term alone, we reached just shy of 7,000 students, with members participating in student engagement bringing roles to life and signposting to their accessible entry level trainee and apprenticeship jobs.

With over 340 current Investment20/20 trainees and apprentices, we nurture this talent and support their next stage of core skills development through our Trainee Professional Development programme. Investing in soft and technical skills development, building industry awareness and networks with industry peers, they are given the foundation from which to build successful careers.

We continue to see increased appetite for school and college recruitment and through our breakfast skills series, we are supporting members to make the most of Degree Apprenticeships and use their Apprenticeship Levy.

Karis Stander, IA Director – Culture, Talent & Inclusion and MD Investment20/20