Patron's Message

It was both an honour and a pleasure to accept the invitation of Women in Banking and Finance to be Patron of such an important networking group. The word Patron is defined as a supporter and comes from the Latin, patronus meaning protector. I will do my best to support the endeavours of both individuals and groups and to protect the hard won reputation of WIBF.

I have been actively involved in supporting and protecting the advancement of women since 1976 when the Equal Pay Act was introduced.
I worked for one of the Industrial Training Boards and became responsible for Women’s Development quite early on.

A great deal has changed, often improved for women, however some things, like pay, remain stubbornly at a lower rate and new issues emerge. Within a woman’s career, there are still four areas which need energy and attention.

‘Getting In’

That is choosing the right career focus and getting into the right job in the right organisation.

‘Getting On’

Starting in a new job and a new company is only the beginning. We have to learn about the three ‘C’s’. The culture, the content and the connections. How the organisation works, its history, values and shadow side. Who the key people are and what the key strategic objectives are.

‘Getting Up’

We need to focus on the next interesting task and role and understand how we can travel there. The old career ladders are disappearing and instead we have a giant, sprawling climbing frame where we can move along, down and up at our own speed and our own direction.

‘Moving On’

Knowing when and how to move on, broaden out or take on additional roles, for example on Public Sector Boards as part of our portfolio, is extremely important or we can become stale or stuck.

There is still a great deal to do if we want to live happy and fulfilled lives and make a difference and I am sure that the development programme of WIBF will help to make this a reality rather than just an aspiration.

Baroness Rennie Fritchie DBE
Patron Women in Banking & Finance
July 2008