A cohort of eighteen ‘graduates’ from HSBC’s Channel Islands and Isle of Man offices have successfully completed an inaugural programme designed to identify top talent at the Bank and support their development into future leaders.
Designed in partnership with and delivered by Cranfield University, ‘Accelerate’ is a six-month leadership development programme created specifically for HSBC to invest in its locally based employees. It is the first year the programme has been run in the islands, and this year’s cohort was focussed on women, with the aim of improving diversity and balance in the Bank’s senior leadership teams.
The successful graduates were, based in Jersey: Elizabeth Hogan, Heidi Peterson, Laura Allen, Nikki Senior, Alish Nardone, Kate Huntington, Sharon Taylor, Tania Sobey, Jenna Newlands, Kerrie Stringfellow, Jessica Davies, Karen Gallagher, Laetitia Rebindaine, Ellie Haywood, Lydia Aspden and Victoria Todd. In addition, Autumn Le Lievre is based in Guernsey whilst Joanne Bridson is dual based in the Isle of Man and Jersey.
The programme included focused coaching, networking opportunities, and group and individual learning, giving participants the tools and direction to progress their careers. As part of the programme, they also worked on a number of leadership projects with some of HSBC’s community partners including National Trust Jersey, NSPCC Jersey branch and the Jersey Child Care Trust.
The graduates were presented with their certificates by Cranfield University at a ceremony held in Jersey in October, where they were also congratulated by Antonio Simoes, CEO of HSBC Europe, during a visit to Jersey.
Commenting on the programme success, Tracy Garrad, CEO, HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man, said:
“In order to ensure we retain and nurture home-grown talent at HSBC, it is really important that a local development programme like this is carried out and that we are investing in employees’ careers at all levels. We believe that diversity and balance are key ingredients in effective teams, so this year we took the decision to prioritise women and improve the diversity of our management teams. As a result of Accelerate we now have a pipeline of really talented women ready to grab the opportunity for leadership when it comes along.”
“It was also particularly pleasing that our Accelerate graduates were able to meet Antonio, who was impressed by our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workforce and our employee development strategy in the islands.”
