THE NEW WIBF PRESIDENT | WOMEN IN FINANCE CHARTER | START NOMINATING FOR 2017 WIBF AWARDS NOW

I am delighted to tell you that we have appointed an outstanding candidate as the next President of our organisation.

” THE NEXT WIBF PRESIDENT

We are now confirming dates and handover. Once that process is complete we will send a special newsletter announcing the new President of WIBF. I know that you will be as pleased as I am that such a talented individual will be leading our network over the coming years.

WOMEN IN FINANCE SUMMIT

At last month’s Women in Finance Summit more than 250 executives from the financial services industry, in the UK and beyond, joined us at Bloomberg European Headquarters to hear the report on the progress made by the 2016 Women in Finance Charter, established after Jayne-Anne Gadhia’s review of women working in financial services.

Jayne-Anne Gadhia, CEO, Virgin Money, using the data provided by the companies that have signed up to the Charter showed exactly where we, the industry, need to focus our attention. The data showed us that although firms, in many cases, have good practices in place for women returning to work, it doesn’t maintain or strengthen the pipeline. A different approach is needed.

Simon Kirby MP, Economic Secretary, HM Treasury, successor to Harriett Baldwin MP (who spoke at our 2016 Awards Luncheon) was firm about the Government’s support for ensuring the potential of women in the financial services industry was realised. Megan Butler of the FCA spoke directly about the need to change the culture at the top of our firms.

I was on a panel with Simon Lewis OBE, Chief Executive, AFME, Huw Evans, Director General, ABI and Diane Côté, Group Chief Risk Officer, London Stock Exchange Group, moderated by Helena Morrissey (speaker at our 2015 Awards Luncheon) discussing how to move from policy initiatives to true inclusion. It was a fascinating discussion.

This is such an important time for all of us at WIBF – as one of the organisations which has always been serious about moving our industry forwards to genuine gender balance, it is heartening to see that the Women in Finance Charter is still a government priority.

EDINBURGH FINANCE CONFERENCE

I spoke at the Edinburgh Student Finance Conference last week. It served as a reminder of how important it is for senior women in our industry to get out there and tell young women that not only are there opportunities for them in the industry and that they should learn from our mistakes and triumphs, but that they must be a force for diversity and ethical good. And, of course, they must absolutely take time to create their network.

NOMINATE COLLEAGUES FOR 2017 WIBF AWARDS FOR ACHIEVEMENT NOW

The nomination form for this year’s Awards for Achievement is available online. The closing date for nominations is the 31st March 2017. Do start nominating NOW! Last year, our website crashed on the last day of nominations resulting in frustrating hours all round. We are prepared this year, however, please nominate early.

Go on, take a look at the nomination form now and start thinking about who you could nominate to be a 2017 WIBF Award for Achievement Winner.

Do spread the word among your colleagues and networks.

Janet Thomas

WIBF President”