Event Location: UK: Virtual (for opportunities in London and surrounding areas)
Event Date: 20 April 2023
Programme: Insight Event for programme starting September 2023
Register by: 19 April 2023
*Registrations have now closed*
Join Women Returners and seven leading employers at the Diversity Project Cross Company Returner Programme 2023 Insight Event on 20 April at 9.30am – 12.30pm.
The Cross Company Returner Programme is 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 our fifth Programme, we have seven participating employers: Abrdn, AXA Investment Managers, Fidelity International, Hayfin, Mercer, Mubadala Capital and PGIM.
About the Diversity Project Cross Company Returner Programme 2023
The Programme offers two routes to join one of the participating employers:
- 6-month returnship placement, with strong likelihood of permanent employment at the end of the programme
- supported hiring with permanent roles from Day 1
All roles will be based in London and surrounding areas but we anticipate the programme will include hybrid working. The Programme will commence in September 2023 and will run for 6 months. 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-April.
This is a fully supported route back to work. All participants 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
- Meet with employers in small break out rooms to ask your questions directly
- Hear from a selection of returners from the Diversity Project Cross Company Returner Programme Alumni 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 September 2023), 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 this event and apply to the programme. Sponsorship will not be provided.
Information on the Diversity Project Cross Company Returner Programme 2020, 2021 & 2022
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.
The 2022 programme continued to grow with 27 returners joining ABRDN, AON, Aviva Investors, DWS, Fidelity International, Janus Henderson, Northern Trust, PGIM, Schroders and Willis Towers Watson. 92% 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 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 Stacie’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 a 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 April 2023.
The final date for event registration is 19 April 2023 at 1pm.
It is not a requirement that you attend the insight event to apply for the programme.
With any questions please email alicia@womenreturners.com