Barclays sets the gender agenda: Bank wins prize for inspiring the workforce of the future

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to detail some of the initiatives that helped Barclays to win the Inspiring the Workforce of the Future prize in the 2013 Opportunity Now gender-equality awards.

Design/methodology/approach

It considers a wide range of programs, from those run in developing countries to help young women to stay longer in education and gain employment skills and greater self-confidence, to those that exist to help female employees in the bank itself.

Findings

It places particular emphasis on Building Young Futures, a partnership between Barclays and the United Nations children’s fund, UNICEF, which aims to give disadvantaged young people the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to set up their own small business or find a job.

Practical implications

It expresses the belief that the recent economic downturn and industry crises have increased the imperative for financial-services organizations to harness the innovation and fresh perspectives that diversity enables.

Social implications

It emphasizes the key role played by Barclays staff members as volunteers who seek to help disadvantaged people to live more fulfilling lives.

Originality/value

It reveals a broad spectrum of approaches to improving the life chances of women in both the developed and developing worlds.

Citation

(2015), "Barclays sets the gender agenda: Bank wins prize for inspiring the workforce of the future", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 12-15. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-01-2015-0001