Category: News
Make ‘Working from Home’, Work for you!
Hi all,
The Risk Partners have put together a handy guide on how to best optimise your time working from home.
We hope you enjoy!
An Interview with . . . . Philip Best (CRO & Group Compliance Officer – Tilney Smith & Williamson)
As part of our series “An Interview With”, Rob Starkl was joined by Philip Best, CRO & Group Compliance Officer at Tilney Smith & Williamson
What are Employers looking for in 2022?
1) Trustworthy hires who can work from home effectively
• Working from home is normal. No longer is it viewed as an emergency set up, but instead a fully operational hybrid-model is now part of the modern working pattern.
• Existing staff who know the systems, processes and policies have generally worked well remotely. But when new staff join, it has its challenges.
• New hires who have the direct experience and can pick up the systems quickly will be in demand
• Once fully up to speed, remote working has shown increased productivity and lower stress levels due to no commuting
2) Diverse workforce
• Having a diverse workforce is a top priority for firms across the world
• Many have embarked on D&I programmes but intrinsic cultural change requires more focus
• Workplace diversity means respecting and valuing the skills and differences that each staff member brings into the workspace
• Those businesses bringing together staff with different perspectives will put themselves in a better position to succeed
• Firms are now more consciously addressing bias in hiring processes and are examining practices around equal opportunities
3) Re-establishing a sense of Company Culture / Community
• Company Culture is the foundation of any firm. The Pandemic has forced us to work from home and keeping the ethos / drive / direction has been difficult
• Post-pandemic surveys have shown that staff have been longing to re-connect with the sense of community, shared value and goals that has been missing from the Zoom-based working environment
• This sense of belonging and ‘Team’ is attractive to new and existing staff.
4) An ESG focused agenda
• The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of the importance of Environmental & Social impacts across the globe
• ESG is no longer a tick box / PR exercise, it is real and top priority for this generation
• Financial services firms are now taking note about their own environmental impact and their choices around sustainable investing
• 2022 hiring will result in a surge of hiring in ESG supporting functions
The Risk Partners are a boutique recruiter, with Corporate Governance (Risk, Compliance, Legal) at the heart of its activities. We live in a world where Governance steers the world through often challenging times. Our aim is to work in partnership to develop careers and find business solutions. Please get in touch to discuss how we can help you.
contact@theriskpartners.com
An Interview With . . . Nicola Crawford (Chief Risk Officer, National Bank of Kuwait)
As part of our series “An Interview With”, Rob Starkl had the pleasure of speaking with Nicola Crawford, Chief Risk Officer at National Bank of Kuwait, MD of i-Risk Europe and a Co-Founder of Women in Risk.
8 reasons to look for a job in 2022
1. More Money
The result of Covid and nervousness around market conditions has meant that it has been harder to get a pay rise. Now the ‘tide is turning’ there is greater scope to increase your earnings outside your current organisation. Firms are now looking at strategic hires and are willing to pay good money to attract the best talent.
2. Hybrid working
Does your firm offer a flexible hybrid policy? It has been determined that a healthy balance of time in the office and working from home is required for the modern workforce.
Working from home reduces the desk space footprint for an employer and reduces an employee’s personal spend on travelling. In-office human interaction is an important feature for the mental health of many, but so is the reduced stress levels from less frequent commuting. Employers are aiming for this balance.
3. Take a career step
Polls have shown that career growth has been limited in recent years. A slower jobs market and relocation of many functions offshore has limited promotion prospects.
Changing jobs in the current market will allow you wider exposure, a new perspective, help strengthen your skillset and allow you to grow professionally. Firms are offering that next step on the career ladder, so now is the time to start looking.
4. Better management
Your boss is the key to your advancement. Remote working has seen increased challenges for leadership, with some techniques very effective, others which simply aren’t working.
Building that stable, safe, motivating workplace is the key to morale and an efficient workforce. If you don’t have the management to suit you, perhaps we can find you a better set-up elsewhere?
5. New Challenges
“I like my employer but I am ready for a change” is a common phrase Candidates use in the current market. Even if you are doing well, your role can become stale. If you can do your job ‘in your sleep’, complacency often sets in. A new challenge can push you out of that comfort zone and keep you motivated to learn / grow.
6. Realisation of your value
In 2020 and 2021 we have all worked hard. Compensation hasn’t always reflected the value staff have shown for their employer and as mentioned previously, nor has promotion prospects. Recognition for achievements is sought after and, in a talent short market, your skills will be attractive elsewhere.
7. Lack of organisational culture / toxic work environment
Culture is key to an enjoyable workplace. Some people feel that their firm has lost its identity and distanced working has magnified the problem. In some cases a toxic work environment has pushed individuals to seek new opportunities elsewhere.
8. Personal wellbeing
Many of us have been assessing our lives in the past year. A destabilised world has opened up conversations around physical health, mental health and wellbeing. Work-life balance is key to this, as is daily emotional support. This area is a top subject across the market and initiatives are in place.
If it is the right time for you, we would love to help your job search.
Please get in contact with us today:
Email: contact@theriskpartners.com
An Interview With . . . Paul Kelly (Global Head of Cybersecurity Risk, Compliance & Remediation)
As part of our series “An Interview With”, Rob Starkl was delighted to be joined by Paul Kelly (Global Head of Cybersecurity Risk, Compliance & Remediation).
On the Pulse – Jan 2022
We hope you had a relaxing break. We love Risk Management!
So, part of our role is to keep on top of senior level moves and strategic hires across the market.
#theriskpartners #onthepulse #seniorappointments
Market Update: Post-pandemic (Q2 2021)
2021 is well underway and the hiring market has been much more positive. Risk & Compliance hiring across the UK, USA and Europe is back.
2020 saw a number of challenges globally, but as vaccination programs have hit full pace in 2021, confidence levels have grown and hiring has recommenced.
Our clients across Banking, Asset Management and Consulting have reached out to add talent to their teams.
Risk:
– Regulatory Capital Risk and Operational Risk roles have seen more demand, along with Stress testing and Portfolio Analytics
– Investment Risk / Market Risk roles have seen a slight increase following a quiet 2020
– Credit Risk roles have been quiet in the London market
– Strong call for Audit and Compliance professionals across the US
Compliance:
– Compliance Monitoring roles have continued to come to market
– AML Compliance across the market saw increased demand due to a change in spending habits due to the pandemic
Compensation:
Due to short supply of candidates (because of nervousness around moving roles) compensation levels have increased for job movers. Especially in the hot demand areas.
Bonus conversations were relatively flat this year as expected, apart from in Consulting where 2020 was a solid year.
Contract rates have continued to be stagnant given the lack of demand for contractors.
Summary:
With more firms confirming that ongoing hybrid working models are to be adopted, less office space is required, hence lower cost per hire. Confidence is growing so real fight now begins to secure the best talent.
Positive signs for the market on the whole.
The Risk Partners are a boutique recruiter, with Corporate Governance (Risk, Compliance, Legal) at the heart of its activities. We live in a world where Governance steers the world through often challenging times. Our aim is to work in partnership to develop careers and find business solutions.
Please get in touch to discuss how we can help you. contact@theriskpartners.com
Mental Health Awareness
World Mental Health Day: The Risk Partners are keen to do our bit to promote and support World Mental Health Day.
Working in Financial Services can be stressful. Increasingly, we hear of individuals looking for new roles because of the pressures they face in daily working life.
Before, there was a stigma associated with the subject, but the good news is that people are now starting to talk about it.
If you are suffering, support is out there. You just need to know where to find it.
One great UK initiative launched recently is ‘Every Mind Matters’:
You are not alone. Have a great day and get talking.
