The Diversity and Inclusion Report (DP 21/2) from the FCA, Bank of England and Prudential Regulation Authority sums up the importance of facilitating and participating in these programmes so effectively.
Research shows evidence of correlations between diversity and inclusion and positive outcomes in risk management, good conduct, healthy working cultures, and innovation. These outcomes directly contribute to the stability, fairness and effectiveness of the firms, markets and infrastructure that together make up the financial sector.
Add to that the softer, yet still so important, elements that diversity of thought brings: creativity, innovation, cultural awareness with clients, up-skilling in speaking to clients – the list is endless.
So, let’s act now – how can you get involved?
The CISI schools hubs programmes will provide students with foundation examinations and sessions provided by the planning community, in some tougher communities across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The programmes and examinations are supported by the CISI Educational Trust and therefore entirely free to students, and yet getting the programmes has not been easy.
Enthusiasm is there in buckets from the key stakeholders but finding teaching time and keeping students engaged when their parents have never had a job can be tough. Having financial planners physically go into schools is a game changer for impact and sustaining motivation.
The CISI works with 20 universities, a number that is growing at a fast pace.
Some of the universities we work with have classes where all the students live at home, they are all first-time graduates for their families and have often two part-time jobs to get them through. Scholarships and support are available.
Again, the CISI offers these students a combination of qualifications, employability days and speaker sessions. So, if you are a financial planner looking to make a difference in your community and to inspire the next generation of financial planners, we would love to hear from you. Drop me a line on sally.plant@cisi.org
Sally Plant is assistant director financial planning and education development at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment
