Skip to content
It looks like you're using an unsupported browser, which may impact upon your experience. It is strongly recommended that you switch to the latest version of Chrome, Firefrox, Safari, Edge or another modern browser.

RECRUITING NEW PRESIDENT FOR WIBF | NEW WIBF PATRON ANNOUNCED | POWERLIST 2016

news published date 1 November 2016
  • News

We are currently recruiting for the next WIBF President.

RECRUITING THE NEXT WIBF PRESIDENT

The advertisement and job description are available on our website http://www.wibf.org.uk/news/article/calls-for-application-for-new-president-of-wibf. The closing date is Friday 4th November. Please help us to find the right person for this role by disseminating the details to your network.

This is a very exciting opportunity for someone who wants to reach a hand out and give a hand up to the women in our industry. We are looking for a President who has the experience, skills and ambition for the network to lead WIBF in providing increasingly targeted, high-quality programmes and support for a growing number of members, both individual and corporate, while growing WIBF’s presence in the UK.

Could that person be you?
Please direct any questions to Sharon Forder, Head of Operations, at [email protected]

NEW PATRON FOR WIBF

I would like to announce, and warmly welcome, the highly-respected Noel Harwerth as the new Patron of WIBF. Our previous and much-admired Patron, Noreen Doyle, suggested Noel as the ideal Patron for WIBF and on meeting her we agreed! Noel brings wide experience and exceptional personal humour and warmth to the position and I know that she will be a great advocate for our network.

Noel says, “I am delighted to become your new patron. I have worked in a number of financial services businesses over the years….retail, wholesale and international banking, insurance, pensions and savings and regulated exchanges. Working with a number of exceptional women in those businesses was a source of support and inspiration. The UK financial services sector is facing challenging times. BREXIT, increased regulation and global competition mean that professionals in our sector need to be on their toes. WIBF provides an opportunity to enhance your skills and network with your peers. I look forward to meeting with you and learning from you.”

You can read Noel’s biography on our website: http://www.wibf.org.uk/discover/our-patrons-message

CABINET ROUND TABLE EVENT: CAREERS AFTER BIRTH OF CHILDREN
I was delighted to participate in a round table discussion about how the Cabinet can assist women embark on second careers after the birth of their children. I highlighted the Women in Finance Charter as an important step due to its measurement of data about the issues affecting women in the sector – this information will highlight the areas needing further attention, by organisaions, to promote retention. For those seeking second careers, I was delighted to hear that the returners program is still very much a key initiative. The UK has a skills shortage in science, technology, engineering and maths and this is likely to be a key area of focus. This is great news for the finance industry as innovation and technology is now key to the sector.

WESTMINSTER BUSINESS FORUM ON BANKING REFORM
I attended the Westminster Business Forum Seminar on Banking reform in the UK – competition, innovation, standards, and financial stability. Chaired by Lord Lindsay, Member, EU Financial Affairs Sub-Committee and Lord Sharkey, Member, Economic Affairs Select Committee the forum looked at risk and financial stability and the future of the capital requirements regime. Gender balance was one of the factors that informed the discussion on accountability, culture and conduct. I was reassured that Stephen Haddrill, Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council, saw that measuring the ratio of men/women in terms of pay and job grades was key.

2017 POWERLIST
I would like to thank WIBF platinum corporate member, EY, who invited me to be their guest at the 2017 Powerlist 10th Anniversary event celebrating the achievements of Britain’s most influential people of African and African Caribbean heritage. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, delivered a powerful speech about the rich tapestry of diversity in the city of London, the powerful economy of the capital and the fact that London is one of the most diverse cities in the world as well as one of the most exciting. EY sponsored the 2015 WIBF Awards for Achievement Luncheon and their wholehearted involvement with such events clearly signals their commitment to inclusivity and to attract the best to EY.

Thank you also to the Powerlist for selecting me to be on their 2016 Powerlist.

WIBF STRATEGY DAY
The WIBF Executive Board held our annual strategy day last month. We looked at our achievements of the past year to see what could have been done better or differently and planned for 2017. Our priorities for the coming year are enhancing the delivery of WIBF programmes and services; improving communications to all members; embedding our online presence; and bringing an international dimension to WIBF. All members should feel the benefits of these improvements as the year goes on.

LONGSTANDING WIBF EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS STEP DOWN
WIBF cannot run without the commitment of the volunteer Executive Board and committees. Our longstanding Executive Board members, Jane Oliver (Head of Mentoring) and Suzanne Reynolds (Co-chair, Edinburgh Board) are stepping down from the Executive Board. I would like to thank them sincerely, on behalf of all of WIBF, for their commitment and hard work over the years. We are very grateful for the time they have given to us all. I would like to wish them both the very best for the future.”