Branch Manager Review

Branch Manager, lead a team of banking specialists, personal bankers and cashiers to grow customer experience and provide commercial growth through providing customers with new products and services. Run an effective control environment ensuring the branch is operationally safe and meeting all of its regulatory requirements. Engage and grow colleagues to be the best they can be.

Self-awareness, I have great insight into my leadership style, my strengths and my developments. Commercial acumen - I have wider industry knowledge. Finance and strategy knowledge, this has improved greatly as a result of the course and given me a higher level of thinking which I bring to my peers and direct reports.

Study blocks are enjoyable, we receive a variety of learning from different tutors who appeal to different learning styles. The most difficult part of the course is time management in line with completing day to day role, would be beneficial to have more time away from the business for free study days instead of structured learning to ensure this time is utilised and not disregarded due to business needs.

Very well - all course materials are readily available either paper or electronically. I have access to all the online materials I require. My personal tutor always provides me with feedback in a timely manner and is approachable. I am advised of study block dates with sufficient time for planning my branch.

My previous line manager is studying through the Barclays masters programme so was very aware of what I was juggling and gave me autonomy to plan my time as I saw fit. I have only just been assigned my current line manager, so I am unaware of what her approach will be as we are yet to discuss this.

My personal tutor [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] always responds in a timely manner and gives helpful and practical advice regarding all areas of my qualifications. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is approachable and helpful, always demonstrating efficiency and care - true empathy and understanding. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is exceptionally organised and always efficient with responses, which makes life much easier.

It provides me with more industry knowledge and the ability to look at things through a different lens with more breadth to my thinking. The development of my leadership skills has been invaluable through the last 2 years as I have progressed through roles and I think it has challenged my way of thinking.

Yes - professional events run for colleagues and customers, such as seminars and events for relationships building networking between different areas of the business. Also career and development days, plenty of courses you can self-assign for upskilling. Social events are arranged usually at local levels between teams and most enjoy embracing this.

Yes

I have worked for Barclays since I was 19 and during that time progressed through 6 different roles. Working for Barclays gives you opportunity with the only limit being how hard you are prepared to work. Barclays provide excellent employee benefits and the support is amazing as is the investment in your development.

Be open to change, the landscape of banking is evolving quickly and you will be subject to frequent and disruptive change constantly (and not always managed effectively), be prepared for this and focus on keeping yourself relevant not resisting the inevitable. Be brave and speak up, the company needs new thinking.