Insights

True Potential has created an opportunity pathway that flows seamlessly from school to successful career within financial services.

This process begins with its unique approach to linking up with schools in disadvantaged areas; and continues on through work experience, fair recruitment and internal progression via its academy.

True Potential is driving access to opportunities in a sector which has long been dogged by the traits of low social mobility, like connections over competence and a focus on background above talent.

Furthermore, it is doing so not in the financial services’ City heartland, but in the North East of England, where such opportunities are in relative short supply or could traditionally only be accessed by leaving the region.

Through its work at the Beacon of Light, it is also inspiring young people to unlock their potential in many other sectors and professions; providing vital life lessons and raising aspirations. The company has made great progress in social mobility in recent years – and when this progress was threatened by Covid-19, it duly responded.

The continuation of its various programmes and approaches throughout the crisis, against the backdrop of record financial results, are indicative of a company fully committed to social mobility.

By feeding much of the proceeds of its success into programmes like the Beacon, meanwhile, a virtuous circle of profit with a purpose is created.

We hope the recommendations in the report enable the company to go even further, at a time when opportunity creation and access are in desperately high demand.