WIBF Expands Social Mobility Initiative to Drive Greater Inclusion in Financial Services

Women in Banking & Finance (WIBF) is strengthening its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with an expanded social mobility initiative, aimed at breaking down barriers and broadening access to careers in financial services.

WIBF’s social mobility initiative connects our corporate partners with organisations that help bridge the gap between young people—particularly young women  and those from low-income families—and firms offering work experience and career opportunities in financial services. By providing access to the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to thrive in the workplace, this initiative plays a vital role in breaking down socio-economic barriers and creating more inclusive pathways into the industry.

The recent EY DE&I Interventions That Deliver report found that employees in inclusive environments are 167% more likely to recommend their company as a great place to work. WIBF’s social mobility initiative is a crucial step in fostering diversity and inclusion in the UK financial services industry, addressing the persistent issue of recruitment from traditional socio-economic backgrounds.

With research showing that nearly half of new entrants into the UK financial services industry come from fee-paying or selective state schools, compared to just 18% of the wider population, WIBF recognises the need for targeted action to improve access and opportunity for underrepresented groups.

To address this challenge, WIBF has been actively partnering with the EY Foundation to encourage women and girls from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to explore careers in finance and now we have expanded that to include four new collaborations.

Through these initiatives, corporate partners can play a pivotal role in improving social mobility—helping to build a more inclusive industry while also expanding their own talent pipelines.

Recognising the importance of scaling this impact, WIBF is growing its network of partners to include:

• Career Ready – A national programme providing mentorship and real-world experiences for students.
• EY Foundation – Dedicated to closing the employment gap for young people on Free School Meals by connecting them with employers.
• Future Asset – A Scotland-based initiative introducing young women to opportunities in investment management.
• Making the Leap – A social mobility charity supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Tech She Can – A collective working to inspire young girls to pursue careers in technology.

Exclusive Webinars Showcasing Social Mobility Partners

To support this initiative, WIBF will be hosting a series of webinars, featuring insights from each of these organisations on how businesses can actively contribute to improving social mobility in financial services.

The first webinar will be hosted by Tech She Can on Tuesday 4 March, from 12.30pm-1.30pm, followed by Making The Leap on Friday 4 April, from 11am-12pm and then Future Asset on Wednesday 23 April, from 12pm – 1pm. These events will be promoted on our events page and on our LinkedIn page, so keep an eye out for them.

This initiative is not just about widening access—it’s about creating a financial services industry that truly reflects the society it serves. WIBF’s corporate partners recognise the importance of social responsibility and are playing an active role in building a more diverse, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.

For organisations looking to get involved and support this growing movement, now is the time to act.

Take a look at our new Social Mobility page to find out more.

For social mobility partnership opportunities and more information, contact [email protected].