Brunel hosts Catalyst diversity launch for Southwest

Brunel has hosted Catalyst Education Programme’s (CEP) first event outside London, as the diversity pioneer seeks to extend its impact out across the UK.

The programme aims to provide economically disadvantaged pupils with “the aspiration, belief and tools” to develop a career in the investment and savings industry. CEP began its work in the City of London.

Statistics show that finance has a particular problem with diversity and senior executives at Brunel have acknowledged that the company needs to do better, not just in encouraging change across the industry, but within its own doors.

“We are well aware of the scale of the challenge to ensure that background doesn’t block career paths off for less privileged groups in society,” said David Vickers, Chief Investment Officer at Brunel. “The problem in finance is especially acute and a major part of the solution is ensuring a pipeline of young talent from all backgrounds.”

Bristol push

The evening event was held at Brunel’s office in central Bristol. A number of staff from both Brunel and BlackRock have offered support as programme mentors and attended the evening to meet with the students, provide some career advice, and enable them to develop their networking skills.

The gathering also enabled students to hear from the programme co-founder Andrien Meyers and from Brunel’s David Vicker

The event was the first of its kind CEP has held outside London. Brunel will host a second event in January, when the focus will be on Responsible Investment.

“As a programme, it’s both carefully thought through and very ambitious, and we admire their approach,” said Laura Chappell, Chief Executive Officer at Brunel. “Finance needs it to succeed, as do we, and we are very proud to be able to offer some small support.”

CEP is a joint venture by #TalkAboutBlack (part of The Diversity Project), the City of London Corporation and IntoUniversity. Find out more about the Catalyst Education Programme

Find out more about Brunel’s approach to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and to Responsible Investment

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