Working with HSBC to rebuild careers for refugee talent

After attending our Refugee job fairs in Birmingham, Cardiff and London, HSBC joined up with REN to create an employability skills workshop to bring people looking to rebuild their careers in banking and finance closer to the job market.

HSBC Customer Partnerships & Attract and Recruit Team, along with employees from across the UK, provided tailored one to one guidance to refugee job seekers who previously held impressive careers in finance, data analysis, HR and accountancy before seeking sanctuary in the UK. The workshop offered support in navigating UK banking recruitment processes, including CV advice, interview techniques, confidence-building, and networking.

“I had a 1-to-1 session with a professional in the field, which helped me find answers to my questions and realise the mistakes I was making during my job search process. I feel lucky that I got the chance to speak with Ken. Even after the allocated time for the session was over, he continued to provide guidance without making me feel rushed or uncomfortable, which I really appreciate.”

Starting a career as a refugee after seeking sanctuary in the UK brings immense challenges: limited knowledge of the UK job market, lack of industry contacts, and unfamiliarity with recruitment practices. HSBC’s collaboration with the Refugee Employment Network shows how impactful employer support can be. Through one-on-one conversations, HSBC HR professionals offered invaluable insights into recruitment processes, from navigating job boards to understanding interview stages. Hearing directly from an HSBC employee that their CV is impressive, learning about roles suited to their skills, and understanding how to articulate their transferable experience gave refugee candidates the confidence to aim high and pursue their goals.

Fleeing home doesn’t mean leaving your qualifications and experience behind.

After attending our Refugee job fairs in Birmingham, Cardiff and London, HSBC joined up with REN to create an employability skills workshop to bring people looking to rebuild their careers in banking and finance closer to the job market.

HSBC Customer Partnerships & Attract and Recruit Team, along with employees from across the UK, provided tailored one to one guidance to refugee job seekers who previously held impressive careers in finance, data analysis, HR and accountancy before seeking sanctuary in the UK. The workshop offered support in navigating UK banking recruitment processes, including CV advice, interview techniques, confidence-building, and networking.

“I had a 1-to-1 session with a professional in the field, which helped me find answers to my questions and realise the mistakes I was making during my job search process. I feel lucky that I got the chance to speak with Ken. Even after the allocated time for the session was over, he continued to provide guidance without making me feel rushed or uncomfortable, which I really appreciate.”

Starting a career as a refugee after seeking sanctuary in the UK brings immense challenges: limited knowledge of the UK job market, lack of industry contacts, and unfamiliarity with recruitment practices. HSBC’s collaboration with the Refugee Employment Network shows how impactful employer support can be. Through one-on-one conversations, HSBC HR professionals offered invaluable insights into recruitment processes, from navigating job boards to understanding interview stages. Hearing directly from an HSBC employee that their CV is impressive, learning about roles suited to their skills, and understanding how to articulate their transferable experience gave refugee candidates the confidence to aim high and pursue their goals.

Abdullah Sakhnini, Guarantees Advisory Manager for Global Trade Solutions at HSBC joined us for the day, volunteering to share his expertise with the job seekers and shared his inspiring journey as part of the workshop:

“Arriving in the UK as a student, I could never have imagined that my journey would take me from seeking refuge to a fulfilling career with HSBC. Facing the uncertainty of leaving my family and home, I struggled to find work and stability. But since joining HSBC, I’ve been given the opportunity to learn, grow, and ultimately reach a place I only once dreamed of. After hard work, dedication, and support from HSBC, I am happy to share that I am currently working at the headquarters in Canary Wharf, a tower I once only dreamed of entering, let alone working in, since becoming a refugee. I am truly honoured to be a live example, and I am truly grateful for the support and commitment HSBC has shown to refugees like myself. They didn’t just offer me a job—they opened up a world of opportunities.”

Abdullah’s story is just one example of the positive difference that providing opportunities for refugee job seekers in the UK to rebuild their careers and realise their potential can make.

When listening to the challenges our refugee communities have already faced, getting a career should not be one. I have loved getting to know everyone and quickly saw their passion and skills shining out!.

Ken Allerton Dip RBCB – Distribution Manager, Customer Partnerships – Strategic Workforce Planning & Custom Partnerships
WPB Distribution, HSBC UK

The workshop was such a success that HSBC and REN will be building on our collaboration to support refugees across the UK to restart their banking and finance careers in the UK.

Rebuilding a life in a new country is tough. We’re working with HSBC to make rebuilding a career in banking easier.