More opportunities at ‘Canterbury’s bank’

Press, 12 July 1984, Page 8

More opportunities at ‘Canterbury’s bank’

Though promotion to executive level for women is extremely limited in trading banks, there appears to be an entirely different situation at the trustee banks.

Thirty-eight per cent of the Canterbury Trustee Bank’s executive staff are women, according to Mr Roy Young, the bank’s assistant general manager for administration.

“Fifty of our 130 executives are women, and these include branch managers, assistant managers in large branches, and heads of department at head office.” The most senior women employed by the Canterbury Trustee Bank are a solicitor at head office, and the manager of the Bishopdale branch. These are both at the grade one level. There are five women

managers at the grade two level (responsible for up to 10 staff members); and 31 women managers at the grade three level (responsible for up to five staff members).

The Trustee Bank also has two women accountants, and several women who are designated officers working in the computer section. “Our policy is very clear,” Mr Young says. “The race goes to the fleetest of foot. We promote the best, and we are very happy with the performance of our senior women.” Mr Young thinks that the relatively localised nature of the trustee bank system makes it easier for women employees to cope with transfers. He says that while there is a higher rate of retirement for women executives compared to males, there are always people coming

on who are happy to fill their shoes.

“Women’s higher retirement rate is not a problem for us.” Mr Young thinks the more flexible approach shown by the trustee banks may be became it is a young organisation that has not built up cast-iron traditions, and is therefore more open to change. “We would actually like to have more men, but there appear to be few boys applying for clerical work.” Trustee bank managers do not, however, have the same responsibilities for making loans and other business decisions as do managers in trading banks.

Differing award rates between trustee banks and .trading banks may also affect career patterns.