Apex Group, a global financial services provider, shares the outcomes of its inaugural Women’s Accelerator Program and announces a new, inclusive network.
In 2022, Apex Group launched the Women’s Accelerator Program, an internal development initiative designed to drive equity for female progression and diversity at all levels within the Group. The Women’s Accelerator Program is designed to accelerate the progress of high-performing female talent through the business, mending the “broken rungs” on the career ladder, eroding the gender disparity at mid- and senior-management levels to provide a clear path for career progression.
51 women took part in the first year of the program, with over half securing promotions, progression or new roles following their participation in the initiative. Over 300 nominations and applications were received for the 2023 Women’s Accelerator Program, with 93 women from over 25 Apex Group offices being accepted on to the program.
Rosie Guest (pictured), Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Apex Group and Executive Committee sponsor of the Women’s Accelerator Program commented: “We are extremely proud of the immediate and noticeable impact the program has had in its first year – not just in the measurable impact on progressions for the members of the 2022 cohort, but also by the strength of the community we have built. It has been a privilege to watch so many women across our business grow in confidence, take control of their development and flourish in their careers. The popularity of the 2023 program is no surprise given the visible difference the 2022 program had for its members – there is an energy and excitement about the program which has given women across our business the confidence and a hunger to be part of driving positive change.”
Alice Read, Country Head, Jersey and Women’s Accelerator Program graduate added: “The 2022 Women’s Accelerator Program has already had a tangible impact on my career. It gave me the confidence to put myself forward for the role of Country Head, Jersey, and I am now responsible for an office of 400 people. I’m excited to use the skills and learnings I gained from the program as I take on this new challenge and help to support other women in my team progress in their careers.”
Apex Group has also announced the launch of The Women’s Accelerator Network, the only free of charge, grassroots private membership community that connects women across age groups, roles and professions within the financial services industry. Through idea exchange, partnership, learning, mentoring and community, The Women’s Accelerator Network will bring together generations of women to instigate a movement for change. Applications are currently being accepted here.
Rosie Guest further commented: “We have been on a phenomenal journey of growth as a business, and we are acutely aware that our global scale now means we have a responsibility to use that platform for good. The launch of the external Women’s Accelerator Network is a natural next step in us driving change both within our business, and across the wider industry. Just as the internal program was about addressing broken rungs in career progression for women, the external network aims to break down barriers in the same way.
“There are several women’s membership communities across the industry, but there still always remain immediate barriers – either financial or based on seniority, or both! Anyone can apply to the network and membership is free – the first cohort will be selected based on ensuring a diverse range of women, across age, ethnicity and specialism to facilitate an environment of mentoring, reverse mentoring, and supporting change makers via a grassroots community that intends to have a lasting impact on the shape of the industry.”
