Women are well represented in early‑career roles within financial services, yet only 19–21%* progress into senior leadership positions, a steep drop‑off that highlights the need for targeted support.
To address this, we recently launched a mentoring programme alongside ClearVision, our DE&I network, designed to give female employees meaningful access to support, guidance and opportunities to grow in confidence and leadership.
Created to be flexible and human‑centred, the programme reflects our belief that sustainable growth starts with people. It offers both one‑off mentoring exchanges and longer‑term mentoring relationships, creating space for participants to share experiences, navigate challenges, build confidence and develop connections beyond their immediate teams.
Technology plays an important role in making the programme accessible and inclusive. By using our existing digital collaboration platforms, employees can connect easily across offices and time zones, enabling cross-border mentoring relationships that might not otherwise happen. This helps broaden perspectives, strengthen international relationships and ensure talent is visible across our global business.
What mentees gain
Mentees benefit from the programme by:
- Gaining fresh perspectives on real situations and challenges
- Building clarity around career priorities and next steps
- Strengthening confidence, visibility and leadership voice
These outcomes support women in navigating hierarchy, managing expectations and boosting their internal network, all vital for long-term career progression.
What mentors gain
Importantly, the programme is designed to be mutually beneficial. Mentors take away valuable experience, including:
- The chance to contribute meaningfully to others’ development without pressure
- Practice in inclusive leadership, coaching and active listening
- Exposure to new perspectives that broaden their own understanding and adaptability
By reflecting on what they’ve learned through listening and advising, mentors can also bring enhanced leadership skills back into their teams and daily roles.
Mentoring helps to strengthen belonging, increase the visibility of female talent across our international teams and help grow the next generation of leaders.
The Women’s Mentoring Programme is part of our wider commitment to building an inclusive workplace where every employee can thrive. Working alongside ClearVision, which launched in 2022 as a women’s network and has since evolved into a fully inclusive platform for collaboration and culture change, and our broader DE&I initiatives, mentoring helps to strengthen belonging, increase the visibility of female talent across our international teams and help grow the next generation of leaders.
Fraser Tidman, International Talent Director, commented: “Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways we support growth at Clearwater. Our goal is to create an environment where talent can develop and thrive, regardless of geography or background. By investing in women’s progression and combining structured mentoring with accessible digital platforms, we are making it easier for colleagues to connect across borders, learn from one another and build meaningful relationships. When our people feel supported, visible and confident in their progression, it strengthens not only individual careers but the future of our business as a whole.”
*Deloitte Insights (2022) Gender diversity in global financial services.
Mentee said: “Having access to someone outside my immediate team has given me a different lens on my career. It has helped me think more strategically about where I want to go and how I position myself for future opportunities. The conversations have been practical and honest, but also incredibly encouraging. It has given me the confidence to take ownership of my development.”
Sarah Taylor, Partner, ClearVision leader and mentor, said: “Mentoring through this programme has been a genuinely rewarding experience. It has encouraged me to step back and really listen, which has strengthened my own leadership approach. I have also gained valuable insight into the ambitions and challenges faced by colleagues earlier in their careers. It is a two-way exchange that benefits both sides.”
Fraser Tidman, International Talent Director, commented: “Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways we support growth at Clearwater. Our goal is to create an environment where talent can develop and thrive, regardless of geography or background. By investing in women’s progression and combining structured mentoring with accessible digital platforms, we are making it easier for colleagues to connect across borders, learn from one another and build meaningful relationships. When our people feel supported, visible and confident in their progression, it strengthens not only individual careers but the future of our business as a whole.”
*Deloitte Insights (2022) Gender diversity in global financial services.
International Engagement Survey 2025 Results
99%
of our team are proud to work for Clearwater
95%
of our team would recommend Clearwater as a great place to work
92%
trust Clearwater to treat all employees fairly, offering a safe and inclusive environment
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