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NatWest has helped launch a transformative initiative aimed at driving inclusion, which is also being backed by Nikki King CBE, with business leaders, educators, innovators, and changemakers from across the country coming together to mark the beginning of the Future Talent Alliance.
The programme aims to bridge the gap between businesses and schools, taking a grassroots approach and creating new resources aimed at schoolchildren aged 12 to 13, which will showcase role models in multiple sectors and introduce different work environments.
Kickstarting the debate, a high-profile panel of trailblazers already on the frontlines of change shared insights on inclusion, innovation and the power of representation.
Tim McFarlane, Customer Service and Operations Lead at NatWest said “We all have a part to play. Being a role model, whether male or female, applies beyond the workplace and provides the opportunity to really shape young minds. We’ve seen this within our own education programme aimed at boosting future skills for young people.”
The lineup also included Naomi Timperley – named as one of the most influential women in tech, Katharina Koall – executive dean at University Academy 92 (UA92) and pioneer in designing inclusive curriculums, Natalie Jameson – a tech leader, educator and innovator who has led transformative projects across fintech, healthtech and edtech, and Rebecca Ganz – a strategic adviser and Northern lead for Women on Boards.
Naomi Timperley, UK lead for Global Tech Advocates, said “As we discuss how young people see role models, it’s really important that any industry wanting to make change connects with education.
“There are roles that haven’t even been invented yet, so we all have a responsibility to support careers advisors and teachers in learning about the plethora of opportunities out there.”
The importance of allies and mentors was also a key talking point, with UA92’s Katharina Koall emphasising that young people need to see themselves reflected in positions of influence.
Statistics presented at the event painted a stark picture. In 2025, 78% of UK businesses pay men more than women, which is the same as in 2018. Women hold less than 25% of science, engineering and ICT jobs, and a gender gap is emerging in maths and science in UK schools, according to a study that has been examining this over a five-year period.
Hosted by Amp Corporate Communications at Alliance Manchester Business School, the supporters and guests who joined virtually from across the country included representatives from leading businesses and educational institutions, keen to forge a long-term strategy to support equity and inclusion.
