Where women work makes all the difference

International Women's Day (IWD) provides a key moment to celebrate women's achievements in the workplace and showcase some of our amazing women.

While International Women's Day activity is celebrated today, it’s important for all of us to maintain a deep and continuous focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion all year round. Plus, celebrating the work and achievements of women inspires further women to achieve their full potential.

                                                          


At Castle Trust Bank, we have been committed to our female inclusivity goals via our membership of the Women in Finance Charter, since 2018. 

By signing the Charter, we commit to doing the following:

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in a senior role and that finance was the area I wanted to work in.  My mother was a Finance Director on the Board; I would read her standard books and enjoyed learning more about accounts.  I was drawn to the commercial side, working on strategy and analytical data.  As I was keen to broaden my work experience, I took the step to move from Sri Lanka to the UK to join a manufacturing company as a Finance project manager. I quickly progressed there and after 2 years with them I moved into my first financial services role and worked in a Credit Card Company. This role provided me the background for working on planning, acquisitions and management reporting. After 6 years in this role, I moved into Banking and became Head of Business Intelligence working on MI / Strategy / Regulatory documents and working with the shareholders.     

Whilst on holiday in 2018 in Sri Lanka, I received a call about an opportunity at Castle Trust and was excited to hear about their desire to get its’ banking licence – I wanted to work there! I was invited back for a final interview; by 9am the following day I was offered the role. Since then, I have found my time at Castle Trust incredibly fulfilling. I love knowing I am helping to shape the future of Castle Trust in the work that I do. 

I am now 12 years married with a 1-year-old son and have learnt to manage my work life balance successfully.  Castle Trust supported me with my return to work following maternity leave and being a mum has not changed my opportunities. In fact, I knew I was coming back in my current role as Head of Corporate development & Investor relations – a role that I always wanted to do.  I have also learnt to switch off at weekends and focus on my family as well as getting my work completed.  I am a true believer in if you want something at work in terms of career or just want to know something, ask!  Never be afraid to pushback and set expectations. Always have confidence in your approach. As a woman in finance and a working mum I take on any challenge as an opportunity with my motto, to have “self-belief and make your own opportunities” 

Meet Lauren, Senior Business Development Manager, Omni 

“When I saw the Account Manager role advertised within the Omni team, I knew that Castle Trust was the next stepping-stone for me, to provide me with the right kind of career progression as well as develop my skills and capabilities, and I’m pleased to say that I wasn’t wrong.

Even within my Account Management role, I had the opportunity to prospect new retailers and I started leaning more towards a Business Development role. 6 months later I was offered the opportunity to formally progress in business development. The move to a Business Development Manager was a great career choice for me and throughout my tenure at Castle Trust, I have learnt from my peers around me which has contributed to my progression within the Omni team. Castle Trust have recognised me for my growth, knowledge, and hard work through my recent promotion of Senior Business Development Manager.

Castle Trust is already setting me up for my next career move as they have supported me with my City & Guilds Diploma in Leadership & Behavioural Change.  I am a true believer that if you work hard, you will be rewarded.  As I work in a very male orientated environment, I am very supportive of seeing more women in finance across the industry, particularly in the Senior management roles”

Meet Jo, Savings Operations Manager, Savings 

“Prior to joining Castle Trust, I was on extended maternity leave after I was made redundant from my role as a manager. Even though I already had 13 years of financial services experience, I had lost the confidence to take on another managerial role, so joined Castle Trust as an Administrator. I was also nervous about working whilst having children and what sacrifices I would need to make.  I needn’t have worried as within months of joining Castle Trust, I was promoted to manage the Savings Team, which I love. In this role, my manager involves me in decision making and business plans. I was also provided with the opportunity to study for my City & Guilds Diploma in Leadership & Behavioural Change.

I do believe there remains a stigma for working mothers in our society and sometimes it does make me feel like I must work extra hard to prove myself and that means I can put pressure on myself and set high expectations. Having said that, I know Castle Trust has the confidence in me and supports me to progress. Whilst I do believe women in senior positions is increasing, there is still more to be done to support this with more flexibility.”

International Women’s Day 2022 #BreakTheBias