A first-of-its-kind mentoring scheme designed to boost female representation among actuaries has received high praise from former secretary of state Nicky Morgan.
Launched by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) last year, the Actuarial Mentoring Programme (AMP) intends to close a 13-year gap between when men and women typically leave the profession.
It does this by matching female mentees with a more senior mentor from another company, providing them with a safe space to discuss the experiences and challenges they face.
The cross-company element is thought to be critical, with mentees benefiting from different skills, experience and expertise, while also gaining a fresh perspective from their own.
Nearly 100 people took part in last year's inaugural scheme, which has received support from some of the UK's biggest employers of actuaries, including the Prudential Regulation Authority.
"Congratulations to everyone involved in the AMP and good luck for year two," Morgan said. "It is great to see so many senior champions advocating mentoring and diversity.
"We know there is still a lack of diversity at the top of the financial services sector, including the actuarial profession. I am sure that the AMP will play a key part in changing that."
The programme is a partnership between the IFoA and mentoring experts Moving Ahead, and is sponsored by the Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC).
PIC CEO, Tracy Blackwell, said: "We all recognise the benefits of having a diverse workforce, and as an employer of actuaries, we want to provide support to women in the profession.
"Mentoring is proven to be effective at helping to realise potential, and this programme is a really positive sign for the future of the profession and women in finance more generally."
The sign-up deadline for this year's nine-month programme is Friday 28 September and launches on 7 November, costing organisations £3,000 for up to five mentoring pairs.
There are also 10 spaces reserved for actuaries working for smaller firms seeking employment.
Click here to sign up, or contact [email protected] for more information. You can also watch a short film about the programme here.
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