Bank named as most dynamic mentoring organisation

Solihull-headquartered Paragon Banking Group has been awarded the 'Most Dynamic Mentoring Organisation of the Year' at the Moving Ahead Inspired by Mentoring Awards.

Recognised for its commitment to mentoring to build diversity and inclusion, Paragon picked up the award for its work in Moving Ahead's 30% Club campaign, specifically within the Mission Gender Equity and Mission Include mentoring programmes.

Moving Ahead is an organisation that creates change and inspires career progression via development programmes. The 30% Club is the world's largest cross-company mentoring programme, matching mentors and mentees from different organisations to share learning and experience.

Since 2014, over 19,000 participants from 60 countries and 30 sectors have taken part in the 30% Club programme.

Mission Gender Equity aims to increase gender balance across senior roles for women in the workplace, whilst Mission Include supports the growth of high-potential individuals from underrepresented groups across all organisational levels.

Paragon and Moving Ahead data found 21 per cent of Paragon Banking Group mentees that participated in the Mission Gender Equity programme have been promoted, which is above the average of 19 per cent and double the average promotion rate of female managers in the UK.

Within Paragon Bank's Executive Committee (ExCo), 60 per cent have supported Moving Ahead as mentors and other external social mobility programmes. A total of 30 per cent of ExCo piloted an internal mentoring development programme, completing a CMI-accredited qualification in coaching and mentoring.

Paragon achieved Investors in People (IiP) Platinum status in 2022, recognising its industry-leading people management. In the UK, only 3 per cent of companies have achieved this level.

Nicki Breen, Paragon Bank's Talent and Leadership Partner, manages the relationship with Moving Ahead's 30% Club.

She said: “We've been working incredibly hard to listen to employee feedback and introduce mentoring opportunities that are a good fit for everyone across the Group, so I'm really excited this has been recognised.

“This is my fifth year as Programme Partner and I've also been a mentee and mentor, which has allowed me to see how beneficial the schemes are first-hand.”

Yvonne Rowland, flagship programme manager from Moving Ahead, congratulated Paragon: “This is a fantastic and well-deserved award for Paragon Banking Group. Over the past five years, we have built a great partnership with Nicki and the team.

“The support they provide to the mentors and mentees is vital in developing skills and confidence within the programme.

“Congratulations to the team at Paragon Bank, we look forward to your continued support with Moving Ahead 30% Club.”

Pictured: Nicki Breen, Paragon Bank's talent and leadership partner