Arch Empowering Female Talent

20/09/2024

Our member Arch Insurance International (Arch) have introduced the Women in Leadership Apprenticeship Programme, designed to support the development of female talent into leadership roles and address the unique challenges that they face – key components of our discussions on gender in the insurance and long-term savings industry. Through their initiative Arch hope to address the gender imbalance experienced across the industry, nurturing future female leaders who can drive change and bring diverse perspectives to decision-making processes.

Nurturing Female Leaders

Spanning over 18 months, the Women in Leadership Apprenticeship Programme combines practical skills training with personal development. Participants engage in a series of workshops, seminars, and reflective practice sessions, including:

Leadership Development: Exploring various leadership models and strategies for managing different generations.
Project Management: Enhancing skills in managing complex projects and achieving strategic objectives.
Personal Reflection: Focusing on imposter syndrome, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.
Networking and Mentoring: Building connections with other professionals and receiving guidance from experienced mentors.

Hear what they had to say

Ellen Williams, a participant in the Women in Leadership Apprenticeship Programme, shares her experience and the impact it has had on her career:

"My manager encouraged me to apply for the Women in Leadership Apprenticeship Programme. I was initially hesitant about the focus on women-specific leadership, however I soon realised the value of this targeted approach. The programme offered a unique opportunity to address challenges that are often specific to women in the workplace, such as imposter syndrome and work-life balance issues.

The workshops on leadership models and project management were invaluable, but it was the personal reflection sessions that truly stood out.

Learning to manage my own imposter syndrome and understanding the broader challenges faced by women in business were eye-opening experiences. Hearing stories from other women about their careers, including the struggles they faced and overcame, were both inspiring and empowering.

In terms of advice, be prepared to work hard—it’s time-consuming, but the more you put in, the more you’ll get out. Be open to sharing and hearing others' experiences. This programme taught me the value of showing vulnerability and emotion in the workplace without fearing that it will be seen as a weakness. So be ready to work hard but your effort will pay off.

One of the biggest impacts of the programme has been on my approach to leadership. I’ve become more effective in managing projects and I’ve also recognised the value in celebrating successes. One of my goals was to explore new career opportunities, and I’m thrilled to say that I’ve already achieved that. The role I’m in now represents a progression from my previous position, fulfilling that initial aspiration I had.

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At the ABI, We are proud to support Arch's Women in Leadership Programme. This initiative not only leverages the Apprenticeship Levy effectively but also champions gender inclusion by equipping women with the skills and confidence to lead. Such programmes are vital in creating a more balanced and dynamic leadership landscape.

See our DEI Blueprint for more information on gender inclusion across the insurance and long-term savings industry.

Last updated 30/09/2024