Skip to main content

Inspire: Diversity Career Coaching Pilot Programme for Financial Services

We are delighted to announce that IFS Skillnet has secured funding through Skillnet Ireland to launch a pilot Career Coaching Programme. This initiative is designed for high-potential junior employees and mid-career professionals aiming for leadership roles within Ireland’s International Financial Services (IFS) sector. The programme is targeted at individuals who belong to diverse groups. Due to anticipated demand, there is currently a limit of 5 places per member company. Participation should be signed off with your L&D/ HR lead or line manager.

The programme aims to provide career clarity, enhance leadership potential, and strengthen the talent pipeline. It is free of charge to member companies. All programme elements must be completed within 12 weeks. 

 

Why This Matters

The IFS sector is a key pillar of the Irish economy, employing over 57,000 professionals and contributing significantly to GDP. However, recent reports highlight the need to enhance diversity and inclusion at senior levels. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) report forecasts a need for 6,000 to 9,000 new hires in the sector by 2027. Addressing leadership diversity is critical to meeting this demand and strengthening the sector’s future.

This programme aligns with key industry recommendations to foster leadership progression, talent retention, and diversity in the sector.

 

Who Can Apply?

This fully funded programme is open to individuals engaged in company or industry diversity initiatives, such as:
✔ Women in Finance
✔ Neurodiversity programmes
✔ LGBTQ+ networks
✔ Cultural diversity initiatives

Due to anticipated demand, places will be limited to 5 per company.

 

Programme Structure

✔ DISC (or equivalent) profile assessment
✔ Three one-to-one coaching sessions with a qualified career coach
✔ Optional facilitated discussion with the participant’s line manager to support long-term career planning

 

Get Involved

  • The programme is now live, and spaces are limited. Places will be awarded on the programme on a first come, first served basis.
  • If your company is interested, we encourage early application.

 

Registration Process

To register yourself or colleagues for the programme, please note the process for registration:

  • Complete this initial registration form. It is possible to register more than one person in the one form.
  • Once an individual’s place on the programme has been approved by a member of the IFS Skillnet team, they will be asked to:
    • Complete the IFS Skillnet trainee profile form
    • Complete an intake form from our training provider Adaptas Ltd. This form is to determine the participant’s goals for the coaching session and to facilitate coach/coachee matching. This form is completely confidential and will only be seen by the coaching team in Adaptas.
  • An individual’s place will only be confirmed on the programme once trainee profile and intake form have been received.
  • Once participants have been matched, they must arrange a chemistry check with their coach by a given date. Failure to do so will result in them forfeiting their place on the programme and the  place can then be offered to another candidate.”
  • Once the chemistry check has taken place, the programme will last no longer than 12 weeks.

 

Note: Once partnered with a coach, there is a 48-hour cancellation period for coaching sessions. If a session is cancelled with less than 48 hours notice, this will result in a lost coaching session.

 

Registration will remain open until all places have been filled. If you have questions or would like to discuss further, please email info@ifsskillnet.ie.