Bank of America : Merrill Lynch Launches Inaugural Chester Returning Talent Programme

Applications are now open for Bank of America Merrill Lynch's inaugural Returning Talent programme in Chester. The programme aims to help people pre pare for re-entering the workforce - a former stay-at-home parent or carer, or someone who chose to take a career gap to support a partner serving within the Armed Forces, for example. People who have been out of work for a year or more are invited to apply via the company's careers site. The application closing date is 15 August.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch, in partnership with the Executive Coaching Consultancy, experts in return-to-work programmes, is looking to attract individuals from a range of backgrounds including finance, technology, banking operations and other professional services.

Following the success of the London offering, the 2016 Chester programme will give 25 participants the opportunity to attend a two-day conference (27 and 28 September) aimed at exploring the changing workplace and the role of the returner in this new office environment. Participants will hear from guest speakers and participate in a series of workshops designed to support a transition back to work; offer practical guidance on focusing and managing a career search; provide interview skills sessions and insights into balancing work and home lives; and access to executive coaching. There will also be opportunities for participants to start building their professional connections through a series of networking opportunities with bank employees.

Steve Miller, head of Chester site, global head of FX Operations and Returning Talent Chester executive sponsor at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said: 'I am very excited to see the expansion of the Returning Talent programme to Chester. This builds on its great success in London and is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to re-enter the workplace. We know there is enormous untapped talent in the returner population, and we think this matches very well with the expanding opportunities at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in Chester.'

Nicola Salvatore, a 2015 Returning Talent participant who has since joined the company's Banking and Markets Operations team, said: 'For me, one of the biggest benefits of the programme was meeting other people in the same position. Having been out of the workplace for five years, I was beginning to feel quite isolated. My conversations with senior managers at the bank and other women working there, including returners, were a real eye-opener, and it was great to have an opportunity to ask questions about their own experiences.'

Five years ago, Bank of America Merrill Lynch pioneered one of the first returner programmes for experienced professionals - mainly women. The company's progress in this area, as well as its ongoing commitment to develop its female talent, won it the 2015 Workingmums.co.uk 's Top Employer Award for Career Progression. The company has an established alumni network of past Returning Talent participants, allowing them to keep in touch, network and share experiences and knowledge.

Daniel South, Diversity and Inclusion manager for EMEA at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said: 'To date, nearly 200 people have taken part in our Returning Talent programme, a large proportion of whom have gone on to get jobs here at the bank, as well as at other companies. But perhaps of more significance is how much the initiative has built participants' confidence and enabled them to make those first steps back into the world of work. We hope to replicate this success in Chester.'

Notes to Editors:

• Returning Talent Dates and Application Details:

• • Click here to complete the application form and attach your CV by 15 August.

  • All sessions will be hosted at BofA Merrill's Chester offices.

• Chester Returning Talent Conference: 27-28 September, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch has had a presence in Chester since 2008 and is the company's second-largest operational hub in EMEA, after London. Approximately 85 per cent of the Chester workforce is employed within Global Technology and Operations (GT&O), and in November 2013, it became home to the company's third Global Command Centre, joining existing centres in the U.S. and Singapore.

GT&O comprises Global Markets Operations and Middle Office (GMOMO), Global Wholesale Banking and Operations, Chief Technology Office and Global Information Security. Within GMOMO, the Derivatives and FX Operations teams process in excess of 5 million cash flows a month, with total values in the order of US$60 trillion. The Futures and Options group is the fifth-largest Futures broker in Europe and manages US$19 billion of open interest, clearing 1.9 million contracts on a daily basis. Other Chester-based support functions include Finance, Business Continuity, Compliance, Risk, Legal and Human Resources.

The Executive Coaching Consultancy
The Executive Coaching Consultancy launched in 1994 as one of the first dedicated executive coaching providers. They work alongside market-leading organisations at different points of the career journey to improve talent acquisition, retention and diversity strategies. They have deep expertise in supporting parents and careers, having coached over 4000 individuals and their managers through this key life stage. They work both nationally and internationally, tailoring content through their understanding of local markets. Their highly experienced accredited coach team bring both professionalism and a passion for developing talent.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 47 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 4,700 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs, and award-winning online banking with approximately 33 million active users and approximately 20 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

'Bank of America Merrill Lynch' is the marketing name for the global banking and global markets businesses of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, leasing, equipment finance and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, strategic advisory, and other investment banking activities are performed globally by investment banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation ('Investment Banking Affiliates'), including, in the United States, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp., both of which are registered broker-dealers and members of SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp. are registered as futures commission merchants with the CFTC and are members of the NFA. Investment products offered by Investment Banking Affiliates: Are Not FDIC Insured * May Lose Value * Are Not Bank Guaranteed.

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Reporters May Contact:
Elizabeth Wood, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, +44 (0)20 7995 7731
elizabeth.wood@baml.com

Gouljan Arslan, Weber Shandwick, +44 (0)20 7067 0357
garslan@webershandwick.com