WCIB Partnership: Empowering Social Mobility Through Financial Support and Expertise.
In the bustling landscape of international banking and financial services, connections are key. But beyond networking and business growth lies a deeper commitment to societal progress and inclusivity. The Worshipful Company of International Bankers (WCIB) embodies this ethos through its vibrant, inclusive livery community, fostering connections among established and emerging leaders while championing social mobility and philanthropy.
Established by Royal Charter, WCIB is dedicated to advancing the financial services industry’s science, art, and practice to benefit the public. At the heart of their mission lies a commitment to supporting initiatives that promote social mobility, particularly within London’s diverse communities.
Valued Partnership with The Brokerage
Central to WCIB’s philanthropic efforts is its partnership with The Brokerage. We are dedicated to empowering young individuals from under-resourced backgrounds to pursue careers in the financial sector. Through funding and expertise sharing, WCIB has played a fundamental role in fuelling The Brokerage’s programmes, notably the Pathways to the City initiative.
Instrumental to our Pathways to the City Programme
The Pathways to the City programme, which forms the cornerstone of The Brokerage’s activities, began as a small pilot project supported by WCIB’s seed funding. This long-term commitment has enabled The Brokerage to refine and expand the program, transforming it into a powerful vehicle for social mobility. What started as an idea has blossomed into a comprehensive program that equips young individuals with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive in the financial industry.
Tom, Head of Impact and Insights at The Brokerage, underscores the transformative impact of WCIB’s support. Unlike short-term funding cycles, WCIB’s sustained commitment has allowed The Brokerage to innovate, trial new approaches, and, ultimately, create lasting change. The partnership between WCIB and The Brokerage exemplifies the importance of long-term collaboration in driving meaningful societal impact.
Tom said:
“The Pathways to the City is our central programme and forms the bulk of what we do. It started out as a small pilot that the WCIB funded to help us trial a new way of restructuring what we were doing with young people. It’s that long-term commitment that has made the difference and allowed us to come up with a really powerful programme.”
Volunteering support
Beyond financial support, WCIB’s involvement extends to pro bono work and volunteering efforts. Leveraging the wealth of experience within its community, WCIB members actively mentor and support young individuals, providing invaluable insights and guidance. This commitment to sharing expertise fosters a more level playing field, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to succeed.
Peter Green, highlights here the impact that the partnership has on young people (candidates) at The Brokerage:
“There’s a wealth of experience in our company and the ability to share that experience back with people who are younger in their careers. Just to allow them to understand the industry, to be more informed when they go for interviews, to have a context around the jobs they are applying to –
“All of that allows people who don’t come from a professional background to compete on a slightly more level playing field than those who do. And that’s what social mobility is all about—giving equal opportunity to everyone.”
We’d like to thank Peter Green for taking the time to share his thoughts in this insightful discussion and we look forward to continuing to make a real impact with the Pathway to the City Programme.
Watch Tom and Peter talking about The Brokerage and WCIB partnership.
In essence, the partnership between WCIB and The Brokerage transcends mere financial support—it embodies a shared vision of empowerment, opportunity, and inclusivity. Together, we are not just shaping careers; they are shaping futures, laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous society.
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