The 2014 annual report for the Focused Women's Network at RBS highlights their commitment to gender diversity and the development of female talent within the bank. The network celebrated its eighth year, launched new regional committees, and hosted numerous workshops and webinars, achieving a 6% increase in membership despite challenging conditions. Key goals include supporting personal development, enhancing collaboration, and contributing to corporate social responsibility initiatives.

1. Focused, inspired and engaged
to embrace the future!
Focused Women’s Network Annual Report 2014

2. As we work towards making RBS the No.1 bank for
customer services, trust and advocacy, we recognise
and value the role our employees play in helping us
to achieve this. To do this we have to make sure we
are developing, retaining and attracting the very best
of our talent. Networks, such as Focused Women,
have a huge role to play as it is widely acknowledged
that diverse management teams make better
business decisions! I am delighted to see how the
Focused Women’s Network continues to integrate
their strategic direction in line with those of our
overall Diversity and Inclusion plan.
Congratulations on celebrating your 8th year and for
producing your 2nd annual report
Message from Ross McEwan,
RBS Chief Executive Officer
Ross McEwan, CEO, RBS
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3. FW Mission Contents
2 Message from Ross McEwan, RBS Chief
Executive Officer
3 FW Values
3 FW Mission
4 Message from Alison Rose
4 Message from Heather Melville
5 Message from Anastasia Petrova
6 FW Helping to shape the culture of RBS
8 FW Global Committee 2014
9 FW Network overview
10 FW by numbers
11 FW Financials
12 FW Charity work 2014
14 FW Achievements and Awards
15 FW on social media
15 FW external speaking events 2014
17 FW Week
18 FW Personal Development
21 FW Regional Committee Reflections
38 FW Strategy and Objectives 2015
39 FW Making a difference to our people
41 FW Making a difference to our clients
42 FW Contributors and volunteers
42 FW Next chapter
Provide employees with numerous
opportunities for personal development
Develop a diverse workforce, resulting in a
more successful and sustainable business
To be a voice of change and influence the
culture at RBS
Enhance RBS’ reputation as an employer
with strong representation of female role
models, where female talent is developed
and retained
Increase collaboration amongst colleagues
and create new business opportunities
through networking
Influence the behaviour of leaders
Give back to the local community and
contribute to RBS’ corporate social
responsibility principles
FW Values
To inspire
To lead
To coach and be
coached
To motivate
Leverage
on business
relationships
To support
rewarding careers
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4. I am extremely proud to act as executive
sponsor for the RBS employee led networks.
The networks are a fantastic initiative that
demonstrate the diversity of our organisation
and the power of what can be achieved by
harnessing a collective spirit.
It is a pleasure to give my support to
employees who work together, investing both
time and considerable enthusiasm, to create
a network for support, advice, mentoring and
development. Most importantly, they give a
voice to those who deserve to be represented.
The Focused Women’s Network has a crucial
role to play in creating a fairer, more diverse
and inclusive RBS by driving the gender
diversity agenda across the bank. We’ve
already made great strides forward thanks
to your commitment and passion and I look
forward to working with you throughout 2015 to
continue to make a difference to the lives, and
careers, of our employees.
We have had yet another amazing year, there is something magical about working
through change, it makes you realise just how talented, committed and special
employees at RBS are! The Focused Women’s Network has been recognised as a
trailblazer across the industry, why? Because we are employee led, we operate as a
business with responsibility and accountability and continue to enjoy the full support
of the entire RBS board!
First thing, I am so proud to share with you that out of 7,140 nominations, FW was
selected as one of the 13 winners for this year’s RBS Values Awards under the
category ‘Working together’. A fabulous achievement and heartfelt thanks to all
our volunteers, customers, supporters, and most importantly the Global committee
who through their hard work and endless commitment have allowed us to remain
sustainable.
In 2014 we welcomed three new regional committees: Midlands, Japan and
Luxembourg, and we are very pleased to have new co-chairs in London committee.
Our focus has always been around developing the female talent pipeline in line
with the RBS objectives. During 2014 we have delivered around 100 workshops
and webinars across the globe, as well as the launch of the Amber programme in
Manchester. Over 2,000 members engaged with Everywoman programme through
webinars, workbooks and networking events. Now the programme is open for any
UK employee.
We are working very closely together with the Diversity and Inclusion team on an
aligned gender strategy. And will continue to work with the Relationship managers
to ensure integration with our clients’ businesses across the Bank. Our reputation
as a leading network across the UK goes from strength to strength from speaking
engagement requests from Rolls-Royce, BT, Vodafone, DLA Piper, Financial Times,
Home Offices and Everywoman. Our collaboration with businesses and other
internal and external networks is fulfilling and we are looking forward for the exciting
opportunities of working together in 2015 and beyond.
Heather Melville
Director of Strategic Partnerships, TSUK, and Founder and Global Chair, Focused Women’s Network
Alison Rose
CEO Commercial and Private Banking, and Executive Sponsor for the RBS employee led networks
Message from
Alison Rose
Message from
Heather Melville
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5. Message from Anastasia Petrova
FW Global Deputy Chair
2014 was a challenging but rewarding year for Focused Women. We have
launched three new hubs in the Midlands, Luxembourg and Japan, and already
have been approached by other locations to open new hubs, as so many
employees would like to make a change and contribute to building a better
Bank, where diversity is valued.
We are proud to have launched the programme
Amber in Manchester, which allows our members
to develop leadership skills and be creative. Our
global webinars on Inspiring Leadership were a
great success, with more than 1,000 members
joining them.
We are constantly learning from our members
through feedback and our global survey, how we
can meet their needs and support them in their
professional life and maintain work-life balance.
I can’t imagine our success without the hard
work of our regional chairs and volunteers. My
heartfelt thanks to all of them for their passion,
energy, enthusiasm to inspire and motivate others,
organising internal and external events, mentoring
and coaching, working with the communities, and
that is all on top of their day jobs!
As a result – the well deserved RBS Values Award
in the category “Working together” and being
listed in TOP 40 Awesome networks by Inclusive
Networks.
You can find out more about our achievements,
relationships with other networks and clients, new
initiatives and plans for the future on the pages
of this report. Be focused, inspired and stay
engaged!
Anastasia Petrova
FW Global Deputy Chair,
Bank partnerships manager, GTS, CIB
5

6. FW Helping to shape the culture of RBS
Message from
Elaine Arden
Chief HR Officer
Working with our Employee Led Networks is a key priority
for us during 2015. Our networks are integral to creating a
culture of inclusion and instrumental in how we deliver our
plans. The reach of the Focused Women’s Network provides
a great platform for delivering the Bank’s gender initiatives, in
particular, and to achieving our goal of more than 30% senior
women by 2020.
Message from
Marjorie Strachan
Head of Inclusion
As a full time working mum of 3 (toddler, tween and
teenager!) I know as well as anyone how important our plans
for how we support women at work are for building greater
gender diversity. As many will know, RBS has set a goal: ‘to
achieve more than 30% senior women in each of our business
areas by 2020’ and that we are striving for full gender balance by
2030. A clear pan-bank plan is in place to support this. Without that plan – which
includes detail on how we attract, develop and retain female talent across our
businesses – agreeing a goal would be futile. It’s how we support our employees
to be successful at work that is important – if we get that right, achieving our
goal on gender balance should take care of itself.
Message from
Les Matheson
CEO, Personal and Business Banking
I am a strong believer that a diversified workforce
encourages innovation, better risk management, team work
and effective decision making.
While gender equality and diversity has continued to improve
across RBS/NatWest, it’s clear there is more we need to do.
The Focused Women’s Network has been a huge success in driving diversity
across the bank globally and I am very proud to be part of this incredible
network of people.
Building a truly inclusive and diverse culture plays an important role in reaching our
goal of becoming ‘No. 1 for customer service, trust and advocacy’.
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7. Message from
Pankaj Phatarphod
Country Head of Services, India
As a proud member and co-sponsor of the Focused Women’s
Network (FWN) in India, I am pleased that since its inception
in April 2013, the network has grown exponentially – we
are around 1,100 members strong and growing everyday!
I believe, being part of the FWN, our colleagues have had
the opportunity to engage, collaborate, leverage our global
connect and learn from each other.
We started 2014 with a vision – to help attract, develop and
retain female talent at RBS. We have always worked towards
creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, where our primary
objective has been to build a workforce that respects each
other, promotes open and honest communication, fosters
respect and trust, and improves team work.
We have very recently been awarded the NASSCOM award
for Excellence in Gender Inclusivity 2014. NASSCOM is the
premier organisation that represents and sets the tone for
public policy for the Indian Services industry. This recognition
is a reflection of our collaborative efforts in building a
more inclusive bank and is testament to the attitude of our
employees and our employee-led networks that play a huge
role in developing and delivering our inclusion strategy.
Message from
Chris Popple
Managing Director, Digital,
Personal and Business Banking
The more teams I’m a part of and people I share experiences with,
the more I’m convinced that diversity is the key to better environments
that lead to better decisions and results. Diversity is driven from all
areas with people who care. Networks like Focused Women are really
the best way for passionate people to get together, organise and be
heard as a powerful voice.
Message from
Tim Boag
RMD London & South East, Corporate & Commercial
Coverage, Corporate & Private Banking
We have fantastic people in RBS and as a leader I am passionate
about helping colleagues fulfil their potential. The evidence clearly
shows that diverse teams are more effective and make better
businesses. Through engaging, and networking, we all have the
opportunity to learn and to build a better business. I am proud that we
are so closely associated with the Focused Women’s Network, which
plays a hugely important part in helping to develop our female talent
and championing the needs of our female customers.
FW Helping to shape the culture of RBS
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8. FW Global Committee 2014The FW Global Committee
is a group of individuals
who work closely together
to deliver the Focused
Women agenda around
the world. The committee
oversee all FW events,
charitable activity,
personal development
workshops, and provide
speakers to external
speaking engagements
promoting the RBS’
diversity agenda.
Alison Rose
Executive Sponsor
CEO, Commercial and
Private Banking
Lucy Brooker
Global Personal
Development Manager
Learning Consultant,
HR
Anastasia Petrova
Global Deputy Chair
Bank Partnerships
Manager, GTS, CIB
Eve Wilkinson
Global Membership
Manager
People Strategy, Insight
and Change, HR
Heather Melville
Founder and Global Chair
Director for Strategic
Partnerships
Natasha Brown
Global Project Manager
HR Consultant, People
Programme, CIB
Pallavi Sharma
Global Communications
Manager
Content Manager, CPB
Christine Brorsson
Treasurer
ALM Modelling
Manager
Kelly Sloane
Treasurer
Associate Director,
Change, Wealth
Division
Meera Shah
Early Careers Manager
HR Graduate
Consultant
The following people will be joining in 2015
8

9. The Focused Women’s Network was launched in March 2007 to support RBS
in actively attracting, retaining and developing talented female members of
staff. The network supports the development and career advancement of all
RBS employees by giving them further opportunities to network internally
and externally, to get involved in activities that will enable them to excel and
challenge themselves, and to gain access to additional personal development.
FW Network overview
We welcome men as members to the network who are also wanting to progress, as all of our
development activities are relevant to both women and men.
What is the business case for gender diversity?
Why have a pool when you can have an ocean
If we are truly inclusive we have:
• The best people
• More knowledge
• Breadth of experience
• Creativity
• Innovation
• Different perspectives
• Reflect our customer base
• The right people, doing the right job for
customers
Why should men get involved?
It’s not just a network for women
– it’s for everyone!
Everyone needs to be on this journey to
create a more inclusive culture for the
benefits of our future generations!
Benefits for men joining include:
• Creates opportunities for networking and
personal development
• Allows you to be a leader in the Cultural
Change
• Enhances your profile as a supporter of
female talent
• Be an inspirational leader and a mentor.
Our purpose
RBS We are here to serve our
customers well.
FW To attract, retain and
develop female talent.
Our vision
RBS To be a bank that is trusted,
respected and valued by our
customers, shareholders and
communities.
FW To be a bank that is trusted,
respected and valued by our
customers, shareholders and
communities. By creating an
inclusive culture.
Our values
RBS Serving Customers
FW To inspire. To motivate.
RBS Thinking long-term
FW To support rewarding careers.
RBS Doing the right thing
FW To lead. To coach and be coached.
RBS Working Together
FW To leverage on business
relationships.
9

10. Ireland
76
USA
76
India
1,059
Nether-
lands
88
Singapore
206
Hong
Kong
120
Australia
17
Greece
45
Poland
25
FW by numbers
Top 20 member regions’ membership by country
FW regional expansion across the globe
Scotland
1,497
UK
N/West
717
UK
N/East
34
Channel
Islands
38
UK
London
2,136
UK
Midlands
270 UK
Wales
33
UK
East
Anglia
37
UK
S/West
176
UK
Northern
Ireland
59
UK
S/East
280
LONDON
MARCH 2007
SINGAPORE
JUNE 2010
SCOTLAND
JULY 2010
HONG KONG
MARCH 2011
NETHERLANDS
NOVEMBER 2011
UK NORTH
MARCH 2012
UK SOUTH WEST
FEBRUARY 2013
JAPAN
SEPTEMBER 2014
INDIA
APRIL 2013
CANADA
SEPTEMBER 2013
LUXEMBOURG
OCTOBER 2014
GREECE
DECEMBER 2013
UK MIDLANDS
NOVEMBER 2014
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
10

11. FW Membership by:
20–30 30%
30–40 38%
40–50 26%
Over 50 5%
Did not say 1%
Age
Range
Non-managerial 42%
Manager 42%
Senior Manager 10%
Executive 6%
Global personal
development 70%
Networking events 15%
Charity events 10%
Client events 5%
Manager
Level
Men
8%
Women
92%
Gender
FW Financials
2014 was a challenging but
rewarding year for Focused Women.
Despite downsizing across the
bank, net membership has grown
by 6% in the period February
2014 – January 2015, and we have
launched new hubs in Japan, the
Midlands UK and Luxembourg.
We are proud to say that we have
gained 20% more male members
than we had this time last year,
which continues to demonstrate
that our mission is valuable and
beneficial for all employees. We
have also seen growth in many
of the regions, particularly in
Poland and the Midlands, where
membership has leapt by 47%
and 25% respectively.
Thanks to all regional chairs,
volunteers and members globally,
who continue to work hard to grow
our network and promote Focused
Women across the bank.
Eve Wilkinson
Global Membership Manager
HR Graduate Consultant
In 2014 we continued to run
Focused Women’s Network as a
business by employee volunteers,
with clear strategy and goals,
aiming to attract, develop and
retain female talent. Having
allocated budget allowed us to
deliver personal development
workshops, programmes and
webinars, a wide range of
networking events, invite external
inspirational speakers and host
several clients’ events. We clearly
demonstrated our capability to
keep the costs under control
by detailed forecasting and
budgeting all the expenses.
Representation of 2014 costs
11

12. In 2014 Focused Women supported
BAAF, Cancer Research UK, Breast
Cancer Campaign (Wear it Pink),
Francis House Hospice, Families in
Need (Greece) and PEKAMEA (Greece)
by arranging raffles, cake sales, gala
dinners, joining marathons, etc. to raise
money for the charities.
The fund-raising and community
work give Focused Women
volunteers the opportunity to
participate in events and gain
experience in communication, event
planning, and other aspects of event
management, actively contribute
to the community investment
programmes, create a positive
image of the Bank and be true RBS
ambassadors.
FW Charity Support and SponsorshipFW Charity work 2014
Over £2,000
for Breast Cancer Care
Wear it Pink Global Campaign
In 2014 Focused Women in
London, Edinburgh, Hong Kong,
Luxembourg, India and Greece
raised £2,000 through bake
sales, selling raffle tickets and
even organising breast scanning
(in India)
Over £10,000
Shine Night Walk in London
Members from Focused Women
and Compass networks joined
Shine Night Walk in September
2014 and raised over £10,000.
The walk took five hours on
average for each participant
(14 members) at night time.
Over £20,000
BAG ladies event to support
BAAF
FW supported BAAF in
organising a charity event in
June 2014, raising over £20,000.
£20,000
Gala Dinner in Manchester
to support Francis House
Hospice. Three FW members
led by Sarah-Jane Court
volunteered to organise this
event which was a great
success.
Greece initiatives
FW team in Greece lead by
Mary Arvaniti organised fund-
raising for Families in Need
and PEKAMEA, raising in total
over €4,200. The employees of
RBS Greece were honoured for
their support and sponsorship,
at a public Awards Ceremony
organized by PEKAMEA Charity
in November, and we received
a lovely award – a metallic
handmade poppy flower, which
is undoubtedly representative of
the warmth and fragile hearts of
the charity members.
12

13. Wear it Pink Global Campaign In 2014 Focused Women in London, Edinburgh, Hong Kong, Luxembourg,
India and Greece raised over £2,000 for Breast Cancer Care
FW Charity Support and Sponsorship
13

14. FW Achievements and Awards
Edit Laszlo, Customer Experience
Product Director and Lindsay Law,
Strategic Programme manager and
FW Chair in Scotland were short listed
in the 2014 Women in Banking and
Finance Awards in the categories
Young Professional and Champion for
Women Award respectively.
Anastasia Petrova was listed among
TOP 30 Inspirational leaders in the
City – ‘Ones to watch’ by Brummell.
India team received the NASSCOM award for
Excellence in Gender Diversity
Heather Melville speaking at Women in Banking and Finance Awards ceremony 2014
Bronze award for 2014 RBS Values Awards
under the category Working together
Out of 7,140 nominations, FW was
selected as one of the 13 winners for
this year’s RBS Values Awards under
the category “Working together”. A
fabulous achievement and heartfelt
thanks to all our volunteers, customers,
supporters, and most importantly the
Global Committee who through their
hard work and endless commitment
have allowed us to remain sustainable.
Ebi Obode was listed in 2014 Financial
News Extra Mile 40: True Heroes of Finance
To recognise the achievement of those
who make the biggest contribution to
helping others, not just in terms of money,
but also in terms of time and innovation.
The sessions create community feeling within RBS across the departmental borders. The
content helps to trigger thinking beyond the obvious day to day and is touching upon
subjects you might otherwise not consider too much or for which you do not take the time
to reflect (like the movie on how woman are ‘pictured in our society’). Relatively short
sessions with focus help to discover tools to enhance your skills – the sessions are too
short to actually improve your skills at that time, but they open up the ability to be more
conscious of a certain aspect in which you can train yourself if you want to (like the session
on speaking like an American president).
14

15. Our reputation as a leading network across
the UK goes from strength to strength from
speaking engagement requests from Rolls-
Royce, BT, Vodafone, DLA Piper, Financial
Times, Home Offices, Westminster Business
council and Everywoman.
FW committee members are actively engaged
in the early Career SPRINT Programme,
speaking at universities, coaching and
mentoring young women and supporting
them to fulfil their career aspirations.
FW external speaking
events 2014
FW on social media
We recognise the importance of embracing social media as 80% of
our Focused Women’s Week 2014 external registration came from
Twitter!
Ultimate objectives of FW social media are to stay connected, share information about
gender diversity, career development, ask and receive advice from the experts and
interact with each other internally and externally. FW offer a wide range of social media
channels globally to meet those objectives and I am pleased that our members are
actively using those: we have over 1,700 followers on Twitter, our group on LinkedIn is
expanding, Connections membership is growing and the number of people who like us
on Facebook is increasing. We believe that interaction through social media also boosts
the confidence in our members to develop and promote their own profiles, expand
their network and get exposure to amazing people and role models, find mentors and
contribute to communities.
We encourage you to participate in discussions, write the blogs, share expertise and
knowledge, let the network know about your achievements, ask questions and of course,
join our events. Let’s stay in touch!
Follow us @RBS_FW
us on Facebook and stay connected! RBS Focused Women group
Anastasia Petrova
Global Deputy Chair for FW
Bank Partnerships Manager, GTS, CIB
1515

16. It was such an inspirational event. We could openly ask
any questions and that felt very comfortable. It was a
truly open dialogue in an easy-to-understand manner.
Panel event in Amsterdam, November 6, 2014
©Rubianca Photography
16

17. FW Week
FW Week 2014
Our theme was ‘Embracing change…’
An Audience with…
We organised three events during the FW Week 2014, where
more than 400 members and guests could hear directly from
senior leaders, clients and colleagues about their inspirational
career and entrepreneurial journeys and how they have
personally embraced change within their career, businesses
or personal experiences. This was also a fantastic networking
opportunity.
An Audience with Ross McEwan, Chris Sullivan and Susan
Allen opened the FW week on March, 24, followed by the
Annual Network Conference featuring two fantastic elite
panels and speakers and our Annual Client Business Event
featuring Lara Morgan, an influential Entrepreneur, and a panel
of internal and external speakers.
As part of the International Women’s Day celebrations, every year the Focused
Women’s Network hosts a series of exciting events, demonstrating the passion and
commitment we have for attracting, developing and retaining the female talent across
RBS, and our collaboration with the clients.
FW Week 2015
Our theme is set around ‘Inspire the future’
FW Week 2015 will launch on March, 23 featuring our flagship
event – An Audience with Alison Rose, Non Executive Director
and James Holian, Head of Customer Experience, Control and
Business Transformation, CPB.
This year we are planning an additional event on March, 24, a
workshop on diversity with Cor-Jan Bruggeman, Chair of EEC,
followed by a network conference and clients’ conference,
featuring keynote speakers from RBS senior leadership team –
Alison Rose, Elaine Arden, Les Matheson, and external guests
– Helene Reardon-Bond (Equality office), Kasia Allan (CBI),
Birgit Neu (Neu Change), Stephanie Davies (Laughology)
and others. The highlight of the week will be announcing the
winners of the FW Global Annual Awards, recognising RBS
individuals and clients for their contribution to gender diversity
and equality in the workplace.
Networks are such powerful
marketing tools which help
to accelerate and maintain
success for any individual
or organisation. They are
key to making connections
and providing the most
productive, most proficient
and most enduring tactic to
building mutually beneficial
relationships.
The value of supporting
gender diversity networks
can never be underestimated;
they play an integral role
in attracting, developing
and retaining high potential
women and are pivotal in
promoting diverse teams,
inclusive leadership and
raising awareness of the
gender debate. It is crucial
that companies employ
gender networks to find out
what barriers women face,
and utilise this tactic to
help females within their
company, connecting women
with one another in the world
of work.
Paul Sesay
Founder and CEO of The
Excellence in Diversity Awards
17

18. FW Personal Development
In quarter one of 2014, FW launched
the Annual Survey to our members to
understand what the most important
development topics were for them.
This revealed that the top three development
topics globally were:
1. Career Development
2. Confidence and Public Speaking
3. Leadership Skills
These topics were consistent with the 2013
survey results.
Based on survey results and feedback
we have provided a variety of personal
development opportunities online as well
as locally, to ensure we reach all of our
global members.
2014 Highlights Plans for 2015
Thank you so much, very
considerate of Focused Women
to run this session [How to get
your CV noticed] at this time
in the bank, please pass on my
appreciation to the team.
Over 800 members participated in the
Global Leadership Webinars
1. Maximise your Leadership Potential
(4 Modules) – supplied by Nikki
Hutchinson at Global Chilli Peppers
2. Inspirational Leadership Series
(8 Modules) – supplied by Lee Travers,
CEO of Clareo Potential
700 members attended ‘Get your CV
Noticed’ workshop supplied by Nikki
Hutchinson.
2,057 members of the Everywoman
Network have accessed over 6,000 hours
worth of learning, through workbook
downloads, webinars, videos and articles.
Talent Programme (Project Amber)
established in UK North, with two cohorts
running in 2014, providing 24 delegates a
12 month talent development programme
with mentor.
Four Inspirational Events held in
Greece covering Embracing Change,
Determination & Goals, Managing Change
and Empowerment.
• To continue to shape the Personal
Development agenda based on the
Annual Survey Feedback.
• Continue to grow the Everywoman
Network membership across the
UK – as this is such a valuable online
development tool which is accessible
on a flexible basis.
• To develop an Early Careers
proposition to support our ‘attraction’
strategy for future female talent.
• To support the wider engagement
of men with the Focused Women
Network, by ensuring development
opportunities are also target for men.
• To support our members across the
world to adapt to the changes and
embrace opportunities.
18

19. everywomanNetwork everywomanNetwork
Workbook Downloads
2,057 members
3,394 workbooks downloaded
1,823webinars attended
1,914 articles viewed
152videos watched
over 6,000learning hours
Feedback gathered from webinars and surveys during 2014
I have found the Inspirational Leadership Webinars
insightful and extremely useful – it has been great
listening to Lee Travers and guests.
For 2015 we have scheduled
a number of inspirational
personal development
sessions including:
• Risk taking for greater
success
• Creating and elevating your
online profile
• Using visualisation to propel
your career
• Unleashing your creativity in
the workplace
• Raising your hand – taking
your work self to the next level
• Acing your appraisal
• Writing an outstanding CV
2015
Top 5 Focused Women Workbook
downloads:
1.
Image and Impact
2.
Boosting your Self Confidence
3.
Smashing Limiting Beliefs
4.
Promoting Yourself
5.
Stepping into Leadership
19

20. Leadership workshop in India, 2014
20

21. FW Regional Committee Reflections
As the Focused Women’s Network
continues to grow around the
world, we expand our regional
presence recognising that cultures
vary and each region is unique.
There are currently 12 Regional
Focused Women Committees
around the world, who have a
common purpose to recognise
local success and centralise FW
activities within the region.
We have a great breadth of data available to us, including our membership data, survey
responses and feedback from all the events. Work behind the scenes like this doesn’t
always get recognised but it’s a key part of FW planning, ensuring that all the great
events are carefully tailored to members’ needs and aspirations.
FW Canada
FW UK – Scotland
FW UK – North
FW UK – Midlands
FW UK – London
FW UK – Southwest
FW Netherlands
FW Luxembourg
FW Greece
FW India FW Hong Kong
FW Japan
FW Singapore
21

22. FW UK – London
I realised some time ago that I want to play a key role in the
changes taking place at RBS, we all have a responsibility to
do this, and having thought long and hard about what I could
do to help make a real difference, last year I became more
actively involved with Focused Women in London working
closely with our former Chair Rebecca Stevenson on the
strategic direction of the London Network for the coming
years. I was delighted to be offered the role of Co-Chair
alongside Xiang and have very much enjoyed working with
such a great team in coordinating our new strategy for 2015.
In recent months, I’ve taken the time to discuss the London
Strategy with many of our senior leaders at RBS and look
forward to developing these discussions over the coming
months. What I’m most excited about is RBS’ ambition for
30% of senior leadership roles to be held by women by 2020.
Focused Women London welcomes this initiative, and as a
key network for women, Focused Women has a responsibility
to support women with their personal and professional
development and to enable RBS achieve this ambition.
It’s only with the support and dedication of our London team
and volunteers, that we have managed to deliver so much in
2014 and we are very grateful for your on-going commitment,
support and hard work, which you all carry out in your own
time. Xiang and I look forward to working closely with you in
2015 as we continue to support and develop female talent at
RBS in London.
Jasvinder Devgon
Co-Chair Focused
Women London
Relationship Director
I was very lucky to have been selected to be part of the
FW London Committee at its inception in 2012, as the
Communications Manager. I moved on to be focused on the
Client’s team in 2013 and have lead the organisation of several
successful client-facing events. I am very passionate about
promoting Focused Women among RBS female customers and
using the good work of FW London to attract and retain female
customers, thus help in advancing careers of RBS employees.
When the FW London Chair position was opened up, I was
delighted to become the co-chair of the FW London. Working
alongside Jasvinder, we have formed our strategy in 2015.
FW London Committee has adopted a new streamlined
structure in 2014 where our focus will be:
• Carry on providing a wide range of Personal Development
events which will be aligned with the latest FW survey results
• Providing quality events for our female clients, partnered
charities to grow the strong relationship within the client
and social community
• Grow the membership among men and women to be more
inclusive
As Jasvinder said, we aim at raising the profile of FW among
senior leaders. With a widely recognised economic benefits
brought by increased females in the business at all levels, I
truly believe FW will not only be that important pillar to support
female and male employees, but will also help to drive RBS’
business growth.
Xiang Fan
Co-Chair Focused
Women London
Senior Business
Analyst
22

23. Personal and Professional development
We continued with our theme of
personal and professional development
in line with our purpose to attract, retain
and develop female talent, holding
a number of activities and sessions
including hearing from inspirational
speakers.
Throughout the year, our PDP
Committee delivered 18 development
events for our members ranging
from skills based training, such
as influencing, networking and
presentation skills; well-being training,
including mindfulness and posture,
and practical sessions such as
our very popular CV and interview
workshops. Highlights included ‘How
to Succeed in a Competitive and ever
Changing Corporate Environment’
with Shona Rowan, ‘Overcoming the
fears that prevent your success’ with
Carol Stewart and ‘An Audience with
Samantha Cohen’, Assistant Private
Secretary to the Queen who shared her
fascinating insights on working within
the Royal Household.
We maintained our partnerships with
like minded professional firms and their
employee led women’s networks and
were delighted with the overwhelming
success of our collaborative panel
event with KPMG ‘Change Experiences
and the Journey to Leadership’. Our
panel was made up of senior leaders;
from RBS we had Andy Gray, Head
of CIB Coverage, Susan Allen, MD
Head of Product Solutions Group
and representing KPMG was Pamela
McIntyre and Bill Michael who are
both Partners. Also on the panel were
young female rising stars from RBS and
KPMG. The discussion was facilitated
by Ffion Hague and one of the great
prizes in our raffle was the opportunity
to have mentoring sessions with
panellists from both organisations.
Our Meet the Authors Event brought
6 great women to our members with
the notable speaker being Vanessa
Vallely (author of Heels of Steel and MD
and founder of wearethecity.com and
careercity.co.uk) who told us about the
path their career had taken, what and
who had inspired them along the way
and what had motivated them to write
their memoir.
Networking
Women in Banking and Finance is
one of the key networks in the City
and working in partnership with them
enabled us to deliver a number of
very well attended events giving
great networking opportunities to our
members. We also held a networking
drinks event for our members which was
co-facilitated by Lorna Taylor.
Women in Business
Our highly acclaimed Tapas event was
expanded into a huge celebration of
International Women’s Day in March. We
invited RBS female clients to hold stalls
to showcase their products, including
Vallebona, vendors of high quality
Sardinian Food and Libby London, a
female entrepreneur whose company
specialises in office work wear. The
evening was topped up with facilitated
networking hosted by Tee Dobinson.
The Client and CSR team put together a
series of Client events entitled, Focused
Women Business Academy, aimed at
female entrepreneurs either starting
up in business or looking for advice
on how to grow. The first FW Business
Academy was held in September, over
80 clients attended to hear keynote
speaker, Jodi Goldman, talk about how
to create a lasting image and impact,
and receive expert advice from a
wide range of stallholders, including
Companies House, GLE and Intellectual
Property Office. The second was
held in February 2015, with a highly
motivational keynote address from Sonia
Brown, Founder of The National Black
Women’s Network and again was very
well attended.
Sincere thanks
We said farewell to a number of great
women who have worked very hard to
lead and support the valuable work of
Focused Women in London, women
that helped us to achieve so many
great things. A special thank you to
Rebecca Stevenson, our former London
Chair, who built the London Committee
from the very beginning. Her work
has formed great foundations for the
committee to develop into its current
form. Huge thanks also go to our
fantastic volunteers who helped deliver
our events and in particular Focused
Women’s Week 2014.
2014 was another great year for Focused Women London. We held many events for our members
with a wide range of inspirational guest speakers, personal development workshops & seminars and
charity events.
Our key highlights for 2014 include
23

24. Looking forward to 2015
Membership
We’re delighted that our membership
has continued to grow throughout the
past twelve months despite the changes
we’ve seen across London and we now
have over 2,000 members, an increase
of 22%.The total number of male
members has increased by 29% over
the past year, giving us a more diverse
membership.
Our members tell us that they are
interested in the network for:
1. Personal development (87%)
2. Networking opportunities (80%) and
3. Mentoring (56%).
When reviewing our membership
database we found 88% of members
were Manager or Clerical level, 11%
Senior Manager and 1% Executive
level. We’re delighted that our
members continue to promote FW to
colleagues which is why nearly half
our new members joined us as a direct
recommendation. It is also great to
see new joiners to the bank within our
network making up over 20%, and
staff of more than five years equates
to 39% of the London members. We
are encouraged by the sustained
membership over the past 12 months
and this is largely due to our members
who continue to endorse, recommend
the network and our events, to
colleagues across RBS.
We’re encouraged by the response to
our annual survey with a clear message
that our members look to us for support
with their personal and professional
development, particularly in the areas
of leadership. You will be aware from
Ross McEwan’s message at the end
of last year that 2015 is the year of
leadership at RBS. We fully support
this and want to give our members the
confidence and self-belief that they can
compete for and secure those high-
level senior roles. Our members told
us what they most enjoy about being
a member – the range of personal
development events we hold and the
opportunity to network with like minded
women. What they want us to deliver in
2015 is training in leadership, interview
& promotions skills and influencing
skills as well as other workshops that
help to develop their career. They would
also like us to hold events that focus on
industry knowledge around economics,
risk and finance.
Look out for these events in 2015!
We plan to role out mentoring
opportunities for our members,
leveraging internal female and male
talent. We’d like to extend our reach to
create more inclusive opportunities for
male and female colleagues to have
more of an appreciation of each other
and to create real gender diversity
at RBS. We will be delivering events
and seminars that get to the heart
of increasing the self-belief of our
members. We’re developing our social
media presence and will be holding
events to raise funds for our charity of
the year.
Our ambition for 2015 is to continue to
support RBS’ agenda for more women
to be represented at a senior level at
RBS and will work with our members to
give them the skills and opportunities
to aim for and secure these roles.
Focused Women London has a crucial
role to play to increase the female
talent pipeline at RBS.
24

25. FW UK – Scotland
I’m privileged to continue to lead the Scotland committee. The
team here is committed to achieving the Network’s objectives
through the work we do in Scotland, and they do so with a
tenacity and drive that makes me very proud.
This year, we have been a founding part of a cross-industry
initiative which has brought together gender diversity networks
across many industries in Scotland. At these regular meetings
we share challenges and discuss best practice, and it has
become apparent that here at RBS we are much further
down the journey to equality and parity than some other
organisations. It is evident that we have a more mature and
organised network than many of them who are still at the start
of that journey.
As a result, I have been asked to speak about the
development of our network and the work we do at a number
of external events. This has been a great way to promote the
network and also provide a positive message about RBS to an
external audience. On a personal note, I was also honoured
this year to be nominated and shortlisted for the Women in
Banking and Finance Champion for Women Award. Although
I didn’t win, it was more than enough to be in the same
company as the inspiring winner and the other nominees.
For the Network as a whole our Leading Lunch series this
year has been a great success. Our members have found it
an interesting insight into the thought processes behind our
senior leaders, but I know some of them have also found it
thought-provoking to hear directly from our members on the
challenges they face. I’m looking forward to continuing to
develop the Network further in Scotland in 2015.
Lindsay Law
Regional Head
Scotland
Strategic Programme
Assurance, Business
Services
2014 Highlights
Each year our FW events and activities
get better and better, and 2014 was
no exception for FW Scotland! Our
standout moments were:
New to 2014 was our Leading Lunch
series. We held 14 events in which
senior leaders in the Bank met with
hundreds of our members to share their
experiences and answer our members’
questions.
Winning The Inner Game event with
Bryan Dunlop, a former Gurka and
expert in the power of positive thinking
who promised to unlock the answers to
questions such as:
• Why is it that some people are able
to get consistently great results
no matter how challenging the
environment?
• What is it that sets certain people
apart from others?
This impactful event earned itself a blog
by one our FW Scotland members.
Executive coach Kiki Maurey, shared
with us her own inspirational journey
and pointers about how we can better
lead through change. Six FW members
also won valuable one-to-one coaching
sessions with Kiki Maurey on the day of
the event. The feedback from the lucky
winners was excellent.
We held a screening of Miss
Representation for staff and friends
of the network from across Scotland.
A lively post-event discussion and
networking session ensued.
2014 saw the launch of our interviews
with inspiring RBS role models to get
members inspired at their desks in
between FW Scotland events. We had
exclusive interviews from Ross McEwan,
Aileen Taylor, Sandra Blake and Chris
Wilson and would like to thank them for
their support of the network.
The week of 27–31 October was
dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness
and in the run-up to the event our
committee members tenaciously sought
donations from local business and
sold raffle tickets to colleagues across
the country. The campaign culminated
on October 31, when colleagues in
Gogarburn organized a massive bake
sale. The FW Scotland committee and
generous volunteers raised over £1,100
for the charity.
25

26. FW members were very busy in 2014
blogging key messages from our events
and topics of interest to FW Scotland
members. Topics included:
Learning to Love LinkedIn – how to
get more out of LinkedIn to help
your career.
Key messages from the Leading
Lunches with Lynn MacLachlan and
Janey Smith.
How to Outshine the Rest – report from
the interactive sessions with Rebecca
Bonnington of Rebecca Inspires.
Mary Lou Quinlan (Edinburgh Festival
Special) – report from the FW Scotland
event with internationally-renowned
speaker and author, Mary Lou Quinlan,
about how to be successful AND happy.
A Kiss from a (Glasgow) Rose -– FW
Scotland member blogs about a
strong women from the art world of old
who’s still a strong inspiration for her
today and how she uses this creative
inspiration in her working life.
Out with the Family – A report from the
RBS Diversity network’s screening of
the ‘Out with the family’ documentary,
explaining her personal experience
of being an RBS employee with an
‘alternative family’.
Plans for 2015
• In 2015 we will continue our popular
Leading Lunch series, putting many
more members in contact with
senior leaders. We will continue
to build connections across the
organisation, allowing our members
to expand their networks to benefit
their careers.
• We also have plans to expand
further in Glasgow, offering more
events to members and greater local
ownership through developmental
volunteering opportunities.
• We will continue to support our
members’ development in all areas
of their life. Our 2015 programme
of events launched with a Wellness
Week in January, a series of events
focusing on mental and physical
wellbeing. This programme will
continue, with events being planned
through the year to support
networking, personal development,
and provide volunteering
opportunities for all our members
who want to get involved.
• We will continue to develop links
with the other Employee-Led
Networks and run joint events for
our members’ mutual benefit. We
have started 2015 by sharing our
Wellness events with the Rainbow
and Enable networks, and hope to
continue this, offering our substantial
experience in running events to
benefit colleagues across the other
networks as well as our own.
26

27. For me, I have loved being involved with FW and
can say very proudly and loudly that we had a
fantastic 2014.
2014 Highlights
Focus on Personal Development
Focused Women UK North is providing
a unique opportunity aimed at people
who want to develop their potential to
progress and fast track their career by
learning a range of new skills. Training
is conducted over six full day training
sessions held in Manchester,
The topics covered in each session are:
• Key Coaching Skills
• Personal Impact & Being Memorable
• Personal Efficiency
• Driving Change in Business
• Presenting with Confidence
• New Work Leadership
In addition to the six training modules
provided by an external business
partner, Explore Training and
Development, delegates work together
over the course of the programme on a
project in small teams.
All delegates must commit to the six
training sessions in order to get the
most out of the programme.
FW UK – North
Sarah-Jane Court
FW Regional Chair
FW North
Business Continuity
Manager
2014 saw UK North thrive with Personal
Development workshops. New
relationships have been made and UK
North has received invaluable feedback
from our members. Over 20 Personal
Development events and workshops
were delivered to over 541 delegates
throughout 2014, including four during
Focused women’s week. Key themes
were:-
• Leadership Skills
• How to Network
• Managing Change
• Personal Impact and Personal
Branding
• CV & Interview Skills
Project Amber 1 has seen three
delegates obtain promotions
Project Amber 2 is currently underway
Project Amber 3 is due to commence in
March 2015.
Proudest moment I think has to be Dragons
Den for Amber and seeing the output from the
first Project Amber coming to fruition and how
everyone had grown and culminated in the
promotions gained.
Sharon Golding Vice Chair and Project Lead for Amber
Organising the gala dinner was a truly
amazing experience, the event was a huge
success and it was wonderful to raise so much
money for such a deserving charity.
Rachel Seedall, one of the Gala Dinner organisers
27

28. The team at Francis House would like to thank RBS for
choosing to support us through the Corporate Charity
Dinner. We hope everyone enjoys the evening and
digs deep to donate to your local children’s hospice.
A message from Francis House
Charity efforts – supporting Francis
House Hospice
Focused women UK North was
delighted to be able to support Francis
House Hospice who provide support
for children and young people with life-
limiting and life threatening conditions
as their charity partner for the second
year. With Hugh Ferris from BBC Radio
as the host for the evening and the
support of almost 180 RBS Corporate
Clients and 40 key Business Partners,
225 tables were sold and almost
£20,000 raised from our Gala dinner,
smashing our target of £7,000!
We are shaping our plans for 2015
and we will definitely continue with
Amber Programme, focusing on
leadership skills development.
28

29. FW UK – Southwest
Being chair of the group has helped me with my confidence
at public speaking and has also formed part of my Personal
Development Plan in terms of raising my profile and
expanding my network. I am really enjoying working with the
group to organise events that we all receive benefit from,
and also giving something back in terms of my experiences
– being a Mentee for example. I get a huge amount of
satisfaction from it, and whilst it is a drain on time, and can
compete with the day job from time to time, the positive
feedback makes it all worthwhile.
My proudest moment has to be when reading the positive
feedback on the recent FWN survey in respect of the
Southwest group. Our hub got mentioned a couple of times
and it makes me proud to know that our group is so well
thought of.
2014 Highlights
• We launched in March 2014 as a
hub of the Bristol/Southwest group.
The aim was to provide a group in
between Bristol and London so that
people who find it difficult to get
to those locations could still be an
active part of the FWN. The launch
was attended by 30 people including
four men.
• Since the launch the group has met
bi-monthly and we have presented
on Time Management, Self
Confidence, Stress Management,
Career Progression and Mentoring.
We have had a number of speakers,
including Neil Garton, Head of
Healthcare for the bank who gave
insights into being a Mentor, and
myself (Julie Larrard) who gave
insights on being a mentee. We
also had an external speaker
who presented ‘Stress Less – Be
Resilient’. This was focused on
keeping healthy, both mind and
body, and gave useful strategies for
handling stress.
• Most of our sessions are attended by
15-20 people, including two or three
men, but numbers vary according
to other commitments. We always
have hand-outs/workbooks that the
attendees can take away and use in
their own time, plus an email follow up
is also sent after the meeting to every
invitee so that they all have access to
the material that they missed.
• We have also supported the Wear it
Pink campaign in line with the FWN
as a whole, and locally supported
the Reading Toys & Teen charity at
Christmas.
Plans for 2015
• Following our strategy meeting and
feedback from members, in 2015 we
will be holding a number of personal
and professional development
events including ‘Personalities –
what colour are you?’, ‘Networking –
being confident and getting results’,
and ‘Social Media – building a
professional following’. We already
have almost 30 employees who
have pre-booked onto each of the
personal development events even
though they won’t be running for a
few months yet!
Julie Larrard
FW Thames Valley
Chair
Senior Relationship
Manager
29

30. FW UK – Midlands
Proudest moment for me has to be seeing the dedication
of my committee – we are a new committee who only came
together in late Q3 2014 and I am really proud of the events
that we have been able to put together. We have managed to
contact existing members of FW in the Midlands but we are
also working hard at gaining additional membership.
As Chair of FW Midlands, I have personally seen the benefits
gained from being part of a successfully committee, leading
and providing direction to the other ladies in the committee and
working hard with others to see ideas coming to light. It brings
me great pride when the events that the committee works so
hard to pull together are well received and attendees inform us
that they would like to attend future events of this nature.
I am a new chair and I think being chair of FW has added to my
personal PDP and has developed my skill sets in hosting calls
and conferences and public speaking. It has also helped me
to network and build relationships. It has pushed me into the
limelight where l need to take charge and lead upwards and on
onwards. I am really proud of being chair of FW Midlands as it
has given me inner confidence that I am capable of leading this
committee. I will do my upmost to work hard and continue with
events that our members would like to see.
Raj Dhesi
FW Midlands Chair
Conduct Manager
Plans for 2015
Despite only coming together in quarter three
of 2014 we have already built a committee of
dedicated people who are fully supporting the
committee and giving it the correct exposure
in the Midlands. We have successfully run
various events over Q4 in 2014 and due to
these receiving such great positive feedback,
we will continue to deliver similar events such
as Leading lunches, PDP workshops and CV &
interviewing writing workshops in 2015. In 2015
we also plan to host career journey, healthy
eating and career speed dating events.
We want all our female and male colleagues
in the Midlands to benefit from our events, so
we will continue to publicise FW and actively
recruit new members!
30

31. FW Netherlands
“2014 has been a truly amazing experience for me. Being the
regional chair for Focused Women, I also chaired the over-
arching NL Inclusion Committee. We have held many welcomed
events, attracting many men and received encouraging
feedback. It is extremely difficult to pick out the best event - it
was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to be involved in all of
them and work in close co-operation with senior management
to support the inclusion agenda in the Netherlands. For me,
the visit of Chris Sullivan and Heather Melville in November
was our grand finale to the year - allowing so many to have a
meaningful and challenging discussion with senior management
on inclusion and diversity inside and outside of RBS.
I was constantly amazed by the skills and engagement of my
fellow colleagues in organising and supporting our activities in
2014. I learned how to motivate, manage, support and bring
out hidden talents. I watched people stretching their skills and
embarking in new areas. I learned how to be effective with time,
resources and budget; and that with engaged and motivated
colleagues working in co-operation great things can still be
achieved with limited time and resource. I’ve also learned how
to get people from different departments to work together and
have fun whilst doing so.
As we continue to go through change at RBS, as regional Chair
of Focused Women and NL Inclusion Chair, I will continue to
support and motivate my colleagues through this difficult time .
That’s the strength of the Focused Women’s Network!”
Plans for 2015
FW Netherlands recognises the value
in working together and creating an
environment where we can bring the best
of ourselves to work and where everyone
feels appreciated. Building on the
positive feedback received throughout
2014, the 2015 programme will be just
as engaging, if not more so, with a focus
on Resilience and Unconscious Bias.
We will explore these interesting topics
in our activities throughout 2015 which
will include a range of personal and
professional development activities and
networking opportunities.
Camilla
Erlandsdotter
Regional Head
The Netherlands
Vice President,
Assistant Head Risk
Monitors
2014 Highlights
2014 was another busy year for the
Netherlands filled with activities to support
personal and professional development,
work life balance and wellbeing. Our
standout moments include:
To promote a healthy work life balance
we organised a Manage Stress at Work
and Home workshop which challenged
participants to assess their personal
behaviours and stress triggers when
faced with complex and demanding
situations. Participants learned how to
blend with the motion of their ‘attacker’
and to redirect their attacker’s force
instead of opposing it head-on. By
working ‘with’ instead of ‘against’ their
attacker they could conserve energy
and explore options for mutual gain.
Through simple body exercises Anita
(the facilitator) demonstrated that there
were alternatives to the instinctive fight
or flight reaction and that by centering –
the technique of calming the mind and
relaxing the body – we can keep cool in
tough situations.
In commemoration of International
Women’s Day, female and male
colleagues joined us in a variety of fun
and thought provoking activities including
workshops on mindfulness and improving
work life balance, speed coaching
sessions and a free 15 minute massage
for those able to get away from their
desks! We also raised over €1, 200 for
the Room to Read project of the Women
of Tomorrow charity.
As a speech or a presentation is often
a cause for stress and rarely seen as
an opportunity to shine and build your
reputation amongst clients or colleagues,
we hosted the ‘Say It like an American
President: the magical moment’
personal development lunch and learn.
An enthusiastic audience of about
90 people from both Amsterdam and
Rotterdam were challenged with powerful
communication technique exercises
which were very well received by all.
31

32. FW Greece
In light of the new political situation in Greece and the hope
that the harsh days of economic recession will slowly begin to
transform into progress and development for Greece, I hope
that we continue to inspire one another in the branch to keep
the faith. Better days will come, and will see us stronger and
more united than ever before. I personally hope to continue
to inspire my colleagues via various FW initiatives, such as
the planned Leadership Lunches for our seniors to engage
and share with our colleagues advice for their own personal
development, by bringing inspiring executive coaches and
speakers from the industry, and supporting charities which
receive little government aid thereby making a difference in
the lives of those less fortunate in the difficult economic and
social times we are facing across Europe.
One of the proudest moments for me and my FW team in 2014
was when Pekamea, a charity for young adults with disabilities
which we supported, held an Awards Ceremony at a hotel in
downtown Athens to recognise the Employees of RBS Piraeus
as one of their valuable sponsors.
I am continually inspired by my colleagues and seniors, by the
members of Pekamea, by the speakers who joined FW events
and empowered us, and I intend to continue to give back as
much of this inspiration and positive feeling to my FW and
RBS team so that they may have a better working life and a
more inspiring future.
2014 Highlights
Charity efforts – Supporting Pekamea
and Families In Need and Wear It pink
This year our chosen charity
was Pekamea – a local nonprofit
organisation for autistic and mentally
disabled children and young adults. Our
initial goal was to raise €1,000 which
we surpassed threefold! We raised
over €3,000 by holding bake sales and
selling crafts and candles made by
children supported by Pekamea. We
also had the joy of seeing how Pekamea
utilised the funds when we visited
their premises. Pekamea purchased a
much needed educational board and
computer which was delivered during
our visit. The welcome we received was
emotional & members and management
of Pekamea extended their gratitude
for making a difference in their lives.
In November Pekamea recognised
us as one of their primary sponsors
and invited us to attend an Awards
Ceremony to commemorate the support
and contribution of RBS employees to
the community.
Mary Arvaniti
Regional Head
Greece
Insurance Analyst,
Corporate &
Institutional Banking
FW Greece combined forces to focus
with the Branch Sustainability Team to
focus on a charity effort called Families
In Need which supports families in
need of financial assistance. Through
an online auction and bake sale we
succeeded in raising €1,200 which
contributed to making a real difference
in these families’ lives.
The week of 27 – 31 October was
dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness
and pink ribbons were distributed to
our colleagues across RBS Greece
Teams. The campaign culminated on
31 October, when colleagues dressed
down by wearing pink and donating
at least one Euro for every pink item/
accessory. We even had a contest of
best Pink attire/accessory judged by
members of the FW Committee with
winners in both Piraeus and London
receiving a bottle of Pink Champaign.
32

33. Team building events
With the unsettling changes happening
throughout RBS in 2014 and the harsh
economic recession in Greece, FW
Greece recognised the importance
of supporting colleagues during this
time and rebuilding team solidarity. We
arranged three team building events:
Athens Clue, a live escape game
which truly required teamwork and
collaboration to escape the locked
room; a theatre event organised with
Break the Barriers team; and a night at
the Irodion theatre overlooking Acropolis
for an amazing one night performance
with renowned violinist Vanessa Mae.
Inspirational and empowering events
To celebrate International Women’s
week, FW Greece hosted an
Inspirational event at Piraeus Marine
Club themed around ‘Embracing
Change’ which was attended by almost
80 employees. We were joined by two
special guests, Peter Mellett, Managing
Director of Bankserve Insurance
Services, long time associates and
insurance consultants of our franchise,
and Maria Prevezanou, self made
Owner and Director of Evmar Marine
Services Ltd, who spoke about their
own inspirational career journeys and
how embracing change, has defined
their professional and personal lives.
In May FW Greece team hosted an
Empowerment event for all employees
with Empowerment coach, Dr. John
Kalogerakis. Our event took place
at The Piraeus Marine Club, themed
around ‘The Challenge of Excellence in
Times of Change’. 30 colleagues and
20 external clients attended, making our
event a major networking opportunity
as well.
Executive coach Kiki Maurey, shared
with us her own inspirational journey
and pointers about how we can better
‘Manage the Future by Managing
Change’ with over 50 colleagues
and almost 20 external clients,
including legal associates and women
professionals at WISTA (Women in
Shipping & Trading). The interactive
discussion provided a great opportunity
for us to rethink our thinking to better
cope with change and reset our
responses.
At our final inspirational event of the
year, we were joined by our WISTA
friends and associates, as well as our
solicitors, to welcome Mr. Panagiotis
Kotronaros, who climbed Mount Everest.
60 members of staff and 20 external
clients attended, and we were inspired
by the Everest Power Talk, and how by
having vision, determination and goals,
we can each reach our own Everest.
Recognising FW Greece committee
members
At the end of 2014, a dinner was
held in appreciation of the FW
Greece committee members’ hard
work and dedication, to reflect on
accomplishments of the year and
inspire/lead the team and thereby
colleagues with courage, creativity and
optimism into 2015.
Plans for 2015
In 2015 we will focus on supporting our
members and employees of the branch
to go through the change and gain the
skills of to build a personal brand. We
will arrange various networking events
and will work closely with HR and
Inclusion to develop tailored solutions
for the staff to allow them to grow
professionally and personally.
33

34. I have truly valued the opportunity to Chair the
Focused Women’s Group in Canada. It has
provided me with leadership experience in guiding
the Steering Committee in Canada and has offered
me the opportunity to meet with various women
in the organisation to hear their stories, goals and
aspirations.
The events held in Canada in 2014 were very
successful and had tremendous participation and
we expect the same for 2015.
FW Canada
Lisa Conway
Regional Head
Canada
General Counsel and
Chief Compliance
Officer
2014 Highlights
Throughout 2014 we have delivered a number of personal
and professional development events as well as networking
opportunities for our members including enrolling some of
our members onto Leadership and Women in Payments
courses. One of our highlights for the year was the very
popular and inspirational session with keynote speaker
Sami Jo, a motivational speaker and three-time Olympic
medal winner as the goalie on the Canadian Women’s
Hockey Team. She was extremely motivating, speaking
to all of the attending Canada Branch employees about
overcoming obstacles both personally and professionally.
We even got to hold her gold medal!
Irina Degtyareva, Events Chair, FW Canada; Sami Jo Small, Speaker;
Lisa Conway, Chair of Focused Women Canada
34

35. FW India
FW India started the year 2014 with a vision- to
help attract, develop and retain female talent at
RBS, and to create the financial services industry’s
best global women’s network and; with focus as
Three Pillars – Networking, Personal Development
& Giving Back to the Community.
2014 Highlights
• The launch of the Women’s Wellbeing
Initiative for sanitation needs of rural
women for which we raised funds
of INR 47,900 and almost 200 rural
women benefited from.
• The ever increasing popularity of
FWN India Connections page which
has had over 4,000 hits to date!
• 14 personal development webinars
made available to all FW India
members via Everywoman network.
• The inclusion of FW India
Awareness in Induction sessions for
new joiners.
• Supporting Wear it Pink where we
organised Cancer awareness and
detection tests for under £10 and
offered volunteering opportunities
with Indian Cancer Society which
320 cancer patients benefited.
• At the end of 2014 we launched
Mentor Express – a personal
development programme that
provides members access to senior
leadership in the country.
Additionally, we provided access to
senior leadership by organising multiple
networking events through the year
for our FWN members including An
audience with… Simon McNamara and
Lynne Highway.
Plans for 2015
We are very excited that our mentoring
programme will be launching in the first
half of 2015! Throughout 2015 we will
continue to support our members by
delivering personal development and
networking events and supporting our
chosen charities.
Niketa Yhakar,
FW Chair in India
Regional Manager
Asia Performance and
Business Management
Corporate Services
35

36. FW Singapore
2014 was about progressing your
career and looking towards the future.
Taking steps to advance in your career
through the following techniques:
• Networking – to build strong
relationships
• Building practical skill-sets and
developing self-awareness – to build
confidence and establish focus
• Maintaining a positive attitude – to
influence and manage perceptions
• Giving Back – to support and raise
the spirits of others
Monica Malik
Regional Chair in
Singapore
Markets Control
Technology, APAC
Events by technique included:
Networking
• Singapore Women’s Intercompany
Network (SWIN) Monthly ‘Just Coffee’
Meeting. An Informal networking
meeting with 13 participating external
companies over a cup of coffee. A
different company hosts the event
every month at a public venue of
their choice.
• SWIN: Career Fair Day with 380
students from 11 all-girl schools
that was sponsored by RBS and
Barclays with participation from AIG,
State Street and BNY Mellon. The
objective of the day was to equip
female students with information
about the day-to-day structure and
diversity of individuals that work in
the Banking and Finance industry.
Building Practical Skill-Sets and
Developing Self-Awareness
• SWIN Women’s Event: ‘Helping to
Build Exceptional Women Leaders
– Exploring a new paradigm for
effortless and increased Resilience,
Influence, Performance and results’
• SWIN Speed Mentoring: A three
month mentorship programme
extended to our external SWIN
companies.
• FWN Girl Rising Movie Screening and
Discussion: Story of nine ordinary
girls living in the developing world
who confront tremendous challenges
and overcome nearly impossible
odds to pursue their dreams.
• SWIN Creative Visioning and
Designing the Career of your
Dreams. An intensive workshop
to help define action plan and
techniques to enable better
communication of ideas with
passion and conviction
• FWN Lunch & Learn – Personal
Safety for Women
• Maintaining Positive Attitude
• FWN – ‘Be Yourself’ three Part
Workshop with Chartered
Psychologist Adriana Giotta:
• Women Working in male
dominated industry
• Stress management
• Building a healthy self esteem
Giving Back
• FWN & Breast Cancer Foundation:
Be informed, Be Empowered Talk
• FWN Supporting the Breast Cancer
• FWN Supporting MOVEMBER
• BCF Pink Ribbon Walk
2015 is about managing career through
change
Targeted 2015 FWN Calendar
• Q1: International Women’s Day:
Achieve Anxiety Freedom
• Q1: Health Living & Fitness
• Q2: External Networking: SWIN
Monthly Just Coffee Networking
Sessions
• Q2: Personal Development: The
Confident You – taking charge of
your Life
• Q3: Resilience: Where are you
going? Goal setting for personal and
professional success
• Q4: CSR: Breast Cancer Walk/Wear
it Pink /Lunch Talk
36

37. FW Japan
FW Chapter in Japan was launched in
October 2014 by three volunteers Jun
Shimizu, Holly Batchelor and Satomi
Harrington.
The launch event took place on 23
October in cooperation with Association
for Women in Finance (AWF), which is
sponsored by RBS Japan. The AWF is
a Tokyo-based volunteer organisation
that aims to provide women in finance
a forum in which they can further their
professional development, network
and exchange information, and meet
like-minded women of all nationalities.
Discussion was facilitated by a senior
correspondent of Thomson Reuters, Lisa
Twaronite.
FW Luxembourg
Our proudest FW Luxembourg moment in
2014 was the great recognition received
from the staff following the organisation
of the massage sessions. We are also
proud that we have increased the
number of members, developed new
relationships with colleagues through our
networking events and that our senior
management recognise and promote our
values and events.
2014 Highlights
At the end of 2014 he held our launch
event which was well attended and
received high praise from those who
attended the event.
Despite only launching in October we
organised two massage sessions to
help relieve stress in this time of change
and uncertainty which 20 employees
benefitted from; and supported a Think
Pink event in favour of breast cancer.
Plans for 2015
In 2015 we will focus on providing
tailored sessions around:
• confidence
• adapting to the changes
• building personal brand
Holy Batchelor
Structured Finance
It is important to support our members
in the times of uncertainty and we are
planning some bespoke events for 2015
to inspire our employees and help them
to go through the changes.
Aline Zanette
Head of Investment
Management
Oversight
Frederique Duval
Transitions Project
Manager
Isabelle Alexander
TA Oversight Manager
Catherine
Banaszkiewicz
Compliance officer
Co-chairs:Co-chairs:
Jun Shimizu
Transitions Project
Associate
37

38. FW Strategy and Objectives 2015
Develop, support and increase the
female talent pipeline with RBS Globally
in line with RBS Values
Our four strategic themes
Our measures
Our objectives
1. To offer a wide range of high quality
personal development opportunities
which are accessible to our global
membership, based on feedback from
the Global Survey. i.e. Leveraging
Internal Talent and Role Model Profiling
1. Quality (not quantity) of Personal
Development events through
measuring feedback. 90% of
respondents rate the event as useful
or extremely useful.
2. Increase in percentage of females
promoted (would need to add/track
through database/survey)
2. Regional Heads to motivate and
provide developmental opportunities
to Focused Women Volunteers,
supporting their career aspirations
Engage male colleagues through our
inclusive culture, highlight the benefits of
networking, personal development and
profiling the support of female talent
1. To ensure personal development
opportunities are inclusive and
attractive to our male colleagues
1. Increase in male membership
numbers
3. Number of external speaker
engagements
2. Each Region to target the male
population to increase their male
membership by at least 5%
3. Each female FW Regional Chair to
partner up with a Male colleague
To enhance the reputation of RBS with
regards to supporting gender diversity
and our Corporate Social Responsibility
1. To organise seminars and events
which are inclusive of internal
networks, external networks and
clients
1. Supplier and Customer feedback from
events
2. Total funds raised for charity
2. FW to Globally support 2 chosen
charities (2015 – Wear it Pink and
BAAF), and Regions to support an
additional local charity
3. Global Committee and Regional
Chairs to attend/speak at external
events at least 1 per quarter
To increase our Social Media presence
internally and externally, to increase our
accessibility to members and clients
1. To regularly update progress and
events through Intranet, Twitter,
Facebook, Linkedin and RBS
Connections
1. Increase number of Twitter and
facebook followers by 5%
2. 5% increase on membership on RBS
Connections and Linkedin
38

39. FW Making a difference to our people
Staff
“We are delighted to work closely with Focused
Women’s network as it allows our members to network
across the bank, sharing experiences and making
contacts outside of CIB. Two highlights from 2015 are:
the nightwalk for Cancer Research in September and
the Female Client event hosted by Ross McEwan and
Alison Rose in November.
On the nightwalk in September a team of volunteers
from Focused Women and Compass raised £15k
from colleagues and clients of RBS. There was great
spirit for the entire walk (even the last mile which
was very painful!). The client event brought together
female clients and RBS hosts from across Corporate
and Private Banking and Corporate and Institutional
Banking reflecting our broad client base. It was
an evening that allowed us to socialise and share
experiences in an informal setting.”
Sarah Mackey
EMEA Chair of Compass Network
“In a business world that continues to evolve and
present new opportunities brought about by a new
style in business leadership and technological
change, the Focused Women Network continues to
empower and educate our female talent and now more
evidently our male talent of tomorrow to grasp these
opportunities within our organisation.
I externally work and network with some truly dynamic
and inspiring female led SME businesses. They
understand gender equality and encourage and work
with a diverse range of female and male talent who
collectively work with their peers to drive a harmonious,
vibrant and successful business.”
Jonathan Coates
Relationship Director, Specialist Sector Business, London
“It’s been a pleasure to work more closely with our
colleagues in RBS Focused Women this year, as we
share the challenges and opportunities of building a
diverse and inclusive business. Many of our members
have enjoyed attending FW events across the UK
where they can meet and share experiences with
colleagues from all the different areas of the business.
Access to the Everywoman resource has also been a
real bonus – when we’re all so busy, it’s great to have
advice and inspiration at your fingertips!
Working together, we can also make the most of
opportunities to ensure our members’ achievements
are recognised externally, such as through initiatives
like Women in Banking and Finance.”
Maeve Colley-Russell
Executive Director, Coutts Private Office, and Chair of Coutts Women
“I believe that a diverse workforce makes for innovative
thinking and better decision making ultimately
leading to better business performance. This is why
employee led networks like Focused Women play an
essential role in the organisation. One of the key roles
of the network is to showcase the opportunities that
exist within RBS to allow everyone to maximise their
potential. Its quite simply about giving everybody the
opportunity to be the best they can be!
RBS is committed to the progression and development
of women within the bank. It is increasingly accepted
that gender balance means success for both women
and men, and that maximising the capabilities of the
female workforce is important for our business and
indeed our customers. Organisations, like RBS, that
are serious about attracting, growing and retaining
talent need to have diversity and inclusion at the heart
of their business, it is well proven that companies that
fully embrace differences, become more successful.
Everyone is invited to join the Focused Women’s
Network, where as a member, you can benefit from
extensive personal development and networking
opportunities. As importantly, you can be a voice of
change in evolving the culture and inclusion for our
employees, customers, suppliers and communities.”
Paul Thwaite
Head of Transaction Services, Americas, Global Head of Transaction
Services Financial Institutions
39

40. FW Making a difference to our people
Members
“I was wondering if you remember in the talk that you
gave last year, you mentioned something about how
men will apply for a role when they only meet 60%
of the spec, but women will only apply if they meet
all of the points? I have this internship because of
you saying that. I completely wouldn’t have applied
because I didn’t meet everything, but I decided to go
for it anyway and just be honest with them at interview
and I got the position. It’s a massive challenge but I’m
learning loads.”
From the Global Survey 2015
“Focused Women’s Network to me stands as a support
system for all women staff within the bank. Through
the various initiatives it represents and nurtures the
importance of women in the work environment.”
“Focused Women provide a great opportunity to
network and develop in an inclusive forum with other
like minded individuals across the bank regardless of
gender with the overall aim to retain talent within the
bank.”
“After attending a FW event, I signed up to become
a business ‘women can’ ambassador. From this I
organise events, mentor young females and have
built a great network. Career wise this has increased
my exposure and profile amongst more senior
colleagues.”
“I love hearing about all the things other women
struggle with that let me know I’m not on my own, I like
the opportunity Focused Women give me to take time
out and think about well being, career progression and
work life balance. I absolutely love the webinars, the
lunch time and evening sessions, the speakers – they
help me to keep a well rounded view of life.”
40

41. “One of the many things I have learned from running
Inspire is that women tend to underestimate their
capabilities and downplay their achievements.
Networks like the RBS Focused women pay a vital role
in making women realise that they are smart and just
as good as anyone else out there. Meeting peers and
sharing experiences enables them to build confidence
in their ability and will hopefully inspire them to make
the leap, sell themselves effectively and just do it!
I am pleased to say through the network, I have
witnessed many examples of the women helping each
other succeed though encouragement, advice and
recommendation for NED roles.”
Carol Rosati
Director and member of the Board Services Practice at Harvey Nash,
Founder of the global board network Inspire
“The Focused Women’s Network has been a great
source of inspiration and connections to other like-
minded women from lots of different backgrounds.
I really value that kind of exposure and those links to
help drive what I do.”
Birgit Neu
Founder and CEO of Neuchange
FW Making a difference to our clients
External stakeholders and business partners
“Focused Women are one of the most highly regarded
corporate women’s networks across the UK and
wider. I am constantly approached to connect other
corporate networks in to the FW leadership team
as these networks are keen to adopt the success
model so clearly demonstrated by Focused Women.
The growth of the network is proof that internal
engagement networks work and can have a real
impact on the many communities that exist within
our organisations. Focused Women do exactly that
and more for the female community. They provide a
platform for these women to progress their careers,
events for women to up skill and visibility of the
amazing talent pool of women who are sometimes
hidden within our organisations. I salute their efforts
and long may it continue.”
Vanessa Vallely
Founder and Co-Chair, The Network of Networks, Gender (TNON)
“Having led the conversation about the advancement
of women in business for over 15 years, we know when
a company is genuinely committed to changing the
gender slate in their business. The Focused Women’s
Network is the benchmark we use when talking to
all other organisations about how to have impact
and create difference. What is outstanding about the
FWN champions is that they go beyond their own
organisation and willingly share their work with others.
Being partners with the RBS Group for 15 years is also
testament to their strategic approach to diversity and
inclusion, the time they have remained committed to
agenda says it all.
With around 2,500 RBS female (and a few male)
colleagues active on the everywomanNetwork we also
get to hear first-hand how the women in the group
appreciate this dedication to their advancement.”
Karen Gill MBE & Maxine Benson MBE
Co-Founders of Everywoman Network
41

42. The professionalism with which Focused
Women’s events and activities are undertaken
means that many of our membership, clients
and business partners are surprised to discover
that the Network is staffed by volunteers only.
The achievements and successes which
you have read about in this report would not
have been possible without a small army of
dedicated volunteers, and we wish to extend a
heartfelt and sincere thank you to all those who
contributed their time and hard-work in 2014.
We ask you, the reader, to take a moment to
recognise the exceptional contribution of our
volunteers. Together we can build a better bank.
Looking into 2015, Focused Women have recognised
their responsibility in building the female pipeline of the
bank, playing a central role in ‘inspiring the future female
talent’. As such a new role has been created on the Global
Committee for a Global Early Careers Manager, headed by
Meera Shah, one of our HR graduates.
The focus of this role will be to partner with external
companies as well as internal stakeholders to remove
gender stereotypes and promote Banking as a profession
for women. So far, we have partnered with the ‘Inspiring
the Future’ campaign – a campaign looking to help young
women from all backgrounds raise their aspirations. It
works by linking volunteers with state schools across the
country where a volunteer will receive an invitation to talk to
pupils about their careers. In addition, Focused Women will
support the Early Career team with their female pipeline
strategy, promoting a joined up approach and a Focused
Women presence at Early Career events.
Everywoman Network
Continue the partnership throughout 2015
Corporate Social Responsibility
BAAF Bag ladies 2015, Cancer research campaigns
Collaboration with internal and external networks
Build and expand on the relationship that FW has within
RBS and out in the business world
Editorial Team
Anastasia Petrova
Natasha Brown
Pallavi Sharma
Production
Design
Two7Design.co.uk
FW Contributors and volunteers FW Next chapter
Contributing to RBS gender diversity agenda to
build the female talent pipeline
42

43. What does the
FW brand stand
for in your
opinion?
43