At the end of November Pollen Street hosted a second insight day in partnership with Future First. The event gave 20 students from 5 different London schools an insight into private equity and the different careers available in financial services.

Future First is a UK charity helping young people in state schools and colleges broaden their horizons by connecting them with former pupils and relatable role models. Future First provide schools and colleges with the technology, tools and support needed to mobilise their past pupil networks and have developed the Future First Hub, a safe and secure platform with the aim of making their network and content available to all children at all state schools.

The day started an introduction to financial services and private equity from CEO Lindsey McMurray. The students then enjoyed a broad range of sessions ranging from an overview of private equity and credit investing, an introduction to ESG, an insight into the careers available in financial services and the skills required, and an interactive CV and interview skills workshop.

Gemma Pullinger, Chief People Officer, commented: “We are proud to have now hosted over 50 students for insight and training days at Pollen Street over 2023. This is testament to our commitment to driving a more diverse industry in financial services and beyond. We are once again pleased to partner with Future First to broaden access and understanding of careers in financial services and asset management to those who might not otherwise have that opportunity. A huge thank you to our volunteers across the business, the fantastic students who have joined us and the People team who worked to put this event together.”