IRLA Future Leaders Pathway
In 2013 the Association created a Young Professionals Group under the inaugural chairmanship of Hannah Vaughan PwC LLP. In the decade since, the Association has seen many changes in both the numbers and roles of those joining our market, and this group.
Whilst the Young Professionals Group (YPG) supports those new to the legacy market to network, share experience, learn new skills and develop talent, the Association feels that it would like to give back more. Part of this is the Future Leaders Programme.
IRLA Ambassador
Natalie Pearce, PwC LLP is leading the 2024/25 Future Leaders Programme mentoring/coaching team and can be contacted here: natalie.h.pearce@pwc.com
You will be sent a list of Future Leaders ‘How To’ suggestions; CV/biography, a corporate headshot and other related and profile support; specific training opportunities; in person and on-line networking and 121 mentoring for career progression.
As a Future Leader you will also automatically be nominated for the Future Leader Award this year and you will be given guidance on how to promote your application.
As part of IRLA’s own succession planning you could also be considered for future board roles and representation*
Enrolling as an IRLA Future Leader does require commitment by the volunteer and support from their employers.
There is no limit as to how many members may join from each member company.
The IRLA Future Leaders Programme
Spring 2024 saw the formal start of our newly created Future Leaders Programme, with a second underway in December 2024.
This dynamic, supportive and uniquely structured concept is designed to aid and assist the progression and engagement of young professionals from within member businesses.
A Leadership Strategy for a Changing Era
While our sector has always been one of change and progress, there is little doubt that recent years have accelerated the way in which business is conducted, networks are built and careers are given the opportunity to bloom.
Hybrid working has, post-covid, undoubtedly changed the system which gave employees access to daily face to face interaction.
It has, to some degree, reduced opportunities for employees to volunteer for tasks, gain access to senior managers, and to build client relationships.
This shift in practices means a new kind of leadership has developed, and alongside this, must come a new way of supporting enthusiastic ambitious employees who aspire to great things in their career in legacy.
How Do I Know if the Programme is for Me?
IRLA sees its Future Leaders as those who seek out opportunities, not just internally but in the wider market too.
Our intention is to inspire, assist and encourage those who want to push ahead with their career, and who like the idea of growing their skills, their confidence and their connections.
This programme is open to all Young Professionals employed by Full Members. (Check with your Main Contact if you are unsure).
There is no upper limit on the number of applications which can be made from any firm, but no two will be in the same cohort.
The Process
Once you have registered as a Young Professional you will be eligible to become a Champion; this can be done simply by contacting secretariat@irla-international.com
Future Leaders should be:
- familiar with the IRLA mission statement
- up to date with IRLA news and events
- aware of committees and board activity
- active in attending IRLA events and cascading these and IRLAs aims internally
It should be noted that not all who apply for the Future Leaders Programme will automatically be accepted, but your application will be considered swiftly and confirmation made.
A Committee Pathway
You might also consider taking your IRLA journey a stage further – by becoming a Committee Member.
If there is a vacancy, and there is no other committee member from your firm, you can apply. This is a prestigious but voluntary role, requiring the following minimum commitment:
- Attend one committee meeting a month (either online or a face-to-face meeting)
- Assist with guest meet and greet at IRLA events.
- Participate in introductions at IRLA courses.
- Proactively take up tasks such as generating relevant news and ideas, supporting the organisation of IRLA’s YPG events etc.
- Put forward a suggestion of one event you would like to support/organise for the Association’s charity of the year.
Other Opportunities within IRLA
Perhaps you might like to be considered as a Host at our annual Congress. Congress is the Association’s largest/flagship event and the best attended event of the year. All Future Leaders will be allocated active roles as either session hosts, social managers or to take part in the interactive sessions.
If speaking or delivering training sounds like an area of opportunity for you, then this would be yet another Future Leader prospect. Help will be given to creating a corporate head shot, biography and/or talk that can be offered at the last minute to any session. If your area of expertise is such that we can call on you to lead or participate in a panel, then this will also be offered to you.
Where’s the Catch of Joining the Future Leaders Programme? (and what benefits to expect)
There isn’t one. All we ask is that you become engaged actively in our programme, that you support your peers, and that you continually reflect on what you’re learning and how you can further contribute to the wider IRLA community.
There is no charge for becoming part of the Future Leaders Programme.
You will receive further advice on how best to use social media, as well as getting presentation follow ups and mentoring.
Online and face to face training will be conducted in small groups.
All Future Leaders will additionally be considered for a Future Leader Award, announced annually.
What Next?
If you wish to sign up, or require any further information, please contact secretariat@irla-international.com
We very much hope that you’ll think seriously about this great opportunity, and look forward to you being part of this exciting concept.