Event Location: UK: Virtual (for returnship in London and surrounding areas)
Event Date: 19 January 2022
Programme: Insight Event for 6-month returnship starting April 2022
Register by: 17 January 2022, 4pm
Join Women Returners and 12 leading employers at the Diversity Project: Cross-Company Returner Programme 2022 Insight Event on 19 January at 9.30am – 12.30pm.
The Cross-Company Returner Programme, now in its third year, is a 6-month returnship run by Women Returners in partnership with the Diversity Project, an industry-led initiative championing a more inclusive culture within the Savings and Investment sector. We are delighted that, for the 2022 Programme, we have 12 participating employers: ABRDN, AON, Aviva Investors, BNY Mellon, DWS, Fidelity International, Janus Henderson, Ninety One Asset Management, Northern Trust, PGIM, Schroders and Willis Towers Watson.
The Returner Programme will open for applications in January 2022.
About the Diversity Project: Cross-Company Returner Programme 2022
The Programme offers a 6-month returnship placement with one of the participating employers. All roles will be based in London and surrounding areas but we anticipate the programme will include hybrid working. The Programme will commence on 25 April 2022 and will run for 6 months, with a strong likelihood of permanent employment at the end of the programme. Positions are at a professional level with a range of roles and areas available; these will be advertised when the programme application process opens in mid-December.
This is a fully supported route back to work. You will receive internal mentoring and a buddy, together with Career Returners Coaching support from Women Returners to help you to transition successfully back into the workplace. As coaching will be delivered centrally to the cohort, you will benefit from a large supportive peer network of like-minded people across all the organisations. Various flexible working options may be available during and after the Programme depending on the employer organisation and the role.
How will you benefit from the Insight Event?
The Insight Event will provide you with the opportunity to find out more about how the Programme will support you back to professional level employment within the Savings and Investment sector:
- Find out from the employers about the returnship opportunities on offer
- Hear from a selection of returners from the 2020/2021 cohort about their experience and successful return to work
- Participate in a return-to-work workshop facilitated by Women Returners
- Meet with other like-minded returners during the workshop and start to build your professional network
Who is the Insight Event for?
The Event is targeted at experienced professionals who have had an extended career break of at least 18 months (as at April 2022), who are looking to return to work within the Savings and Investment sector, and who are interested in applying for the returnship Programme. You may have taken time out to look after children or elderly/sick relatives, for relocation, for a personal health issue or for other reasons. You may have been working on a small-scale basis to fit around your other commitments or have not done any paid work for a number of years.
You must have the right to work in the UK to attend the Launch Event and apply to the Programme.
Information on the Diversity Project: Cross-Company Returner Programme 2020 & 2021
In April 2020, 11 returners joined the pilot cross-company programme on a virtual 6-month placement with BlackRock, BNY Mellon, Fidelity International, Schroders and Willis Towers Watson. 82% of participants were offered ongoing employment with their employer on the programme.
The 2021 programme almost doubled in size with 18 returners joining ABRDN, Aviva Investors, BNY Mellon, Fidelity International, Janus Henderson, Schroders and Willis Towers Watson. 84% of participants secured ongoing roles with their employer.
Here’s what participants had to say about the programme:
“Returning to the corporate world after a break can be daunting and nerve-wrecking. The Returner Programme gives you that extra confidence and support you need to succeed. Not only is the coaching highly valuable, but the support from your peers who are going through the experience as your are is very reassuring. I highly recommend the programme to anyone thinking of picking up their career again.”
“Forever grateful that I chanced upon the Women Returners – Diversity Project Programme. The support from Women Returners and the returner cohorts have been most invaluable in supporting this exciting yet daunting return to work journey. If anyone is thinking of returning to work after a career break, regardless of how long the break is, I can’t recommend this programme enough.”
You can read about Stacy’s return to work journey here and Sophie’s here in our Success Story Library.
About The Diversity Project
The Diversity Project is a cross-company employer-led initiative, which believes that there is an extraordinary opportunity to press the re-set button in the industry: to recruit, nurture and retain the first truly diverse generation of Savings and Investment professionals. Diversity is not only our social obligation, it’s a business imperative.
To register for the Event
The event is free to attend. Please register ASAP by clicking the link here, and answering the registration questions to confirm your eligibility. Joining instructions will be sent to you on 18 January 2022.
The final date for event registration is 17 January 2022 at 4pm.
Applications for the Cross-Company Returner Programme will open in January 2022. It is not a requirement that you attend the insight event to apply for the programme.
With any questions please email hazel@womenreturners.com