Hear from David, who discusses the opportunities provided by Digital Investment Operations in Glasgow.

Thirteen years ago, I joined the Glasgow team as an Operations Analyst. Fast-forward to 2020 and a lot has changed. I’m married, I have four children and I’m the Head of Digital Investment Operations. From working through the height of the financial crash in 2008, to helping launch the UK Government Bounce Back Loan Scheme in response to this year’s pandemic, I’ve seen the highs and lows of the Financial Services industry from our Glasgow office.

My personal and professional lives have changed dramatically over the last thirteen years, and so has Barclays. We’re taking steps forward every day as we develop our workspaces, teams and inclusive environment – and I’m proud to be playing my part in the business’ progression.

A supportive Scottish team

The Glasgow office has been my home for more than a decade now, and I’ve sat in a number of roles throughout the years. In every position, I’ve been exposed to the great diversity of our close-knit team. From the products and services we offer to the variety of colleagues whose unique backgrounds and experiences make us stronger, the Glasgow office is a place where we use our different perspectives to create innovative solutions.

A hub of technology that will promote collaboration and innovation

We’re always looking for new ways to develop our workplace, which is why we’re building a brand-new office; a hub of technology that will promote collaboration and innovation. From the contemporary tech to the new look and feel, everything has been designed with the future in mind. We’ve even installed  excellent technology to ensure colleagues’ safety. We’re hoping to move into our new workspace towards the end of summer 2021, after which we’ll be able to welcome new colleagues and provide even greater growth opportunities for all.

 Developing, together

I’m a firm supporter of developing female talent and promoting equality in the workplace. As a result, I joined the Barclays Gender Network, Win, many years ago. Most recently, I used my position as a male ally to speak at a Women in Leadership workshop, which focused on how men and women approach self-promotion differently. I was honoured to share my experiences and use my insight to breakdown gender perceptions by speaking openly and honestly about my vulnerabilities, which are always there even when I appear confident on the outside.

I’m proud to be part of such an inclusive and supportive business, in a location where I can honestly say we care for one another

Mentoring has played a huge part in my Barclays career, and I’ve mentored a number of female colleagues over the years. Last year, I worked closely with a colleague to help her secure a promotion before going on maternity leave. Each week, we’d sit down and talk through her career ambitions, then I’d do everything to help her get there. From coaching on interview techniques to helping her find the confidence to believe in herself, we worked side by side to achieve her goals. She became an ally of mine too – we bounced ideas off each other and developed our careers together.

Creating impact, every day

Being a mentor and actively participating in speaker events is great, but it’s important these motives are carried into our day jobs as well. We need to constantly question ourselves: do we have the right people in the right places? Do our job advertisements appeal to men and women, from a variety of age ranges and cultural backgrounds? We need to take what we’re learning from webinars and panel discussions and create results. For me, it’s not a tick-box exercise, it’s about caring passionately about developing female a diverse talent pool and transitioning this into the work I do.

As a leader, male ally and father, I’m looking forward to a bright future at Barclays where we’ll continue championing diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for all

I carry this into my home life as well. As a father of four sons, I’ve made it my mission to ensure they grow up to be supportive and inclusive. After all, biases are learnt, so I’m tackling this by reminding my sons that it’s their responsibility to become good people and treat everyone equally.

Stepping into the future as one team

Each year, we come together for the Scottish Diversity Ball to call out teams and individuals who are helping us make real progress in the diversity space. This year, a significant number of colleagues took part in the virtual event and celebrated our wonderful diversity networks and the individuals who are stepping forward and taking our business into the future.

The Glasgow office is a place where we use our different perspectives to create innovative solutions.

Every new day at Barclays in Glasgow poses a new opportunity to create impact. Whether it be for our customers, clients or colleagues, I’m proud to be part of such an inclusive and supportive business, in a location where I can honestly say we care for one another. As a leader, male ally and father, I’m looking forward to a bright future at Barclays where we’ll continue championing diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for all.