Our sister company and not-for-profit endeavour won Best D&I Initiative at the Professional Adviser Awards 2025 this week for its We Are Change programme, and we couldn’t be prouder.  

We Are Change is a programme that is recognised for its dedication to getting new talent into finance – specifically people who are outside of the industry.  

With the express view that finance is for everyone, the We Are Change (WAC) programme aims to increase diversity by providing opportunities for those who’d otherwise be unlikely to choose a finance career, or unable to afford the qualifications.

So far, the Verve Foundation has welcomed 66 new people to finance – with a 70/30 female to male split. 10 have achieved their Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, and all of them are working in the finance industry. Collectively, WAC students have passed a whopping 107 exams!

Each WAC cohort is assisted with their 2 years of study, learning about different roles and picking up tips on essential soft skills along the way including network building.  

Hayley Rabbets, Head of the Verve Foundation said: “It’s so important that we connect with passionate people who are interested in a career in finance, but who feel it’s out of reach.

“We’ve helped a diverse mix of students feel comfortable and welcome in this industry and encouraged them to change the face of finance by looking past stereotypes.  

“It feels great to have this important work recognised at the Professional Adviser Awards. The future is bright for the Verve Foundation, and this win sets us on the right trajectory to increase cohort sizes, so we can nurture even more new, diverse talent.”

The Verve Foundation was founded in 2021 to assist people facing unemployment, and now exists as a central place to do good in the financial services industry.

Alongside the We Are Change programme, the Foundation also operates an adviser incubator programme, supporting new and early-stage firms who want to do their own thing.  

If you’re interested in investing in the future of finance, or taking part in a Verve Foundation programme, there are lots of ways to get involved here on the website.

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