ENDP's high praise for HSBC Emiratisation efforts

The award was received by Mr. Youssef Nasr, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC at the Emirates National Development Programme's (ENDP) Annual Graduation Ceremony 2008.

HSBC had partnered with ENDP and the Dubai Institute for Human Resource Development earlier to ensure the highest standards for the development of UAE national talent. Through this partnership, over 100 UAE nationals had joined HSBC's first specialised training programme entitled the 'HSBC Emiratee Development Programme'.

The 'HSBC Emiratee Development Programme' is six weeks long and covers language, communication and computer skills together with the standards of work behavior expected in a large organisation.

Successful completion of the programme results in the award of the internationally recognised 'Work Essentials' qualification conferred by BTEC (Business & Technology Education Council) of the UK. This programme is then followed by job placements, mentoring and further job-specific training designed to help the new recruits succeed in their new careers.

Youssef Nasr, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC said: "HSBC is committed to developing UAE's national talent for they are the future leaders of the banking and finance industry and we are very honoured to be recognised for our efforts by ENDP. Emiratisation has been one of our strategic objectives and is at the top our agenda. We have been committed not only to recruit the best UAE nationals but also to train, develop, and provide them with a challenging career plan. We currently have the highest number of UAE nationals amongst all banks in the country."

"HSBC has set strategies to ensure that it remains the employer of choice for the very best talent in the market place and the 'Best Place to Work'. We have introduced new career banding and market-related pay policies which enable the Bank to offer more flexible packages to retain talent. Moreover, the Bank introduced special policies concerning paternity, maternity and adoption leave which are unique to this market.

The Bank has also introduced a number of flexible working arrangements which takes into consideration the personal circumstances of individuals who might find it difficult to work full time. Such facilities include Key time Employment, the option to work between 4 and 7.5 Hours per day, job sharing, term time variation and staggered hours," said Joel Farnworth, Regional Head of Human Resources, HSBC.

As 'The world's local bank', HSBC diversifies its staff resources to contribute to societies where it operates. Pushing forward with Emiratisation is a reflection of this goal.