New 12-month programme brings together participants, mentors and sponsors from across UK financial services to tackle the sector’s persistent progression gap.
The launch
On 11 June, Progress Together launched the Accelerated Progress Programme (APP), the first programme of its kind in UK financial services to bring together participants, mentors and senior sponsors from multiple organisations within a single progression ecosystem.
The launch takes place on Social Mobility Day, marking a practical next step in Progress Together’s work to improve socio-economic diversity at senior levels across the sector.
Why it matters
The launch follows new research from Progress Together revealing that employees from lower socio-economic backgrounds take, on average, 16% longer to progress from middle to senior roles than colleagues from higher socio-economic backgrounds, equivalent to almost two years. In client-facing roles, that gap rises to 39%, or more than three years.
At the same time, representation from lower socio-economic backgrounds falls sharply as seniority increases. Around one third of junior employees come from lower socio-economic backgrounds, dropping to just 26% at senior leadership level.
Progress Together says the findings point to a system problem, not a talent problem. While many organisations invest in leadership development, far fewer focus on the relationships and conditions that shape who is seen, supported and ultimately progresses.
How APP works
APP has been designed as a practical response to this challenge. Developed by Progress Together and delivered by Illume Executive Consulting, the 12-month programme combines three critical drivers of progression within a single framework:
- Participants, building leadership readiness, confidence and influence
- Mentors, providing challenge, guidance and practical insight
- Sponsors, creating visibility, advocacy and access to opportunity
What makes APP distinct is its cross-firm design. Participants learn alongside peers from across UK financial services, with mentors and sponsors drawn from Progress Together’s membership community, creating relationships and opportunities that no single organisation could deliver alone.
The 2026 cohort is open exclusively to Progress Together member firms. Nationwide Building Society supported the development and pilot phase of the programme.
“Our research has consistently shown that talented people from lower socio-economic backgrounds take longer to reach senior leadership in financial services. That is not just frustrating for individuals. It means firms are missing out on talent they already have. APP is about taking the next step and doing something practical about it.”
Sophie Hulm, Chief Executive of Progress Together
Get involved
Progress Together is inviting member firms to nominate participants, mentors and sponsors for the 2026 cohort. Places are limited.
