Female HSBC employees have attended the first part of a four-phase workshop where they received training and guidance on how to set goals, recognise their own career potential and develop their attitude and willpower to enhance both their personal lives and their careers.

The workshop was launched by HSBC Bank Malta CEO Shaun Wallis who emphasised the bank’s commitment to a diversity policy and strategy which strives, among other things, to ensure equal opportunity for the development of all bank staff, irrespective of gender.

The Springboard Women’s Develop-ment workshop was introduced on the initiative of head of diversity M Louise Agius. “The bank is very proud to be launching this kind of programme which, according to the UK consultants, is a first in Malta. The programme will benefit both the participants as individuals and also the bank, through having more motivated females ready to take up opportunities as they come along,” said Ms Agius. HSBC has been running this programme in other countries for the past 12 years.

The workshop is being delivered by UK licensed springboard trainer and HSBC management skills trainer Maria Psaila, who has now joined the complement of 400 springboard trainers around the world. The HSBC programme is being run in 19 other countries.

The programme comprises of four one-day workshops spread over a three-month period. The Springboard programme is a self-development course written and designed to assist women in creating a sound work-life balance, recognising their own skills and abilities and identifying areas which can be developed or enhanced. HSBC staff from various grades will be invited as keynote speakers on the programme. They will share their own experiences in reaching personal goals to inspire and motivate the participants. The programme encourages participants to self-reflect on who they are and where they want to be.