Standard Chartered Bank’s Global Business Services Announces Second Career Programme For Women

Standard Chartered’s Global Business Services centre in Bangalore today announced a new programme to tap on talented women who are seeking to return to the workforce after taking a career break. By launching ‘SheReturns’, the Bank aims to provide job opportunities to second-career women in information technology and operations.

The India-wide programme will kick off on 16 September in Bangalore with the Bank seeking to fill roles in digital technology such as UX design and front-end development, as well as banking operations for its offices.

Mr Rajesh Balaji, Head of Human Resources - Global Business Services-India, at Standard Chartered Bank, said: “Standard Chartered views diversity and inclusion as a critical lever for business success in the long term.  It enables teams to unlock innovation, make better decisions and manage risk. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that is free from bias and where everyone can realise their full potential, and in so doing, make a positive contribution to our organisation.”

Women who are selected for the programme will receive dedicated skills training to address identified gaps in their skill sets as a result of a career break. SheReturns is supported by the Bank’s recruitment officers who are specially trained for hiring, mentoring and supporting women who are returning to the workforce, and in partnership with AVTAR Group, a specialist agency in workplace diversity and inclusion.

SheReturns will also see the implementation of career enablers for women including re-skilling, up-skilling and career counselling to enable the cohort to pursue sustainable career paths within the Bank.

Additionally, the Bank’s gender agenda aims to ensure women are given the same opportunities to excel and progress as men, that the gender balance is better represented, particularly at senior levels.Commenting on this initiative, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder and President, AVTAR Group and diversity advocate, said: “Women’s workforce participation and advancement is a global concern. We are all working towards creating a gender-balanced workplace in India and one of the foundations for this is to bring back women on professional breaks into the workforce.”