Black Talent in Banking - resource hub

Bright Network Black Talent in Banking October 2025 is taking place on Wednesday, 22nd October. We're really looking forward to it and hope you are too! The leading employers joining us (including Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Houlihan Lokey and more) are excited to connect with our brilliant members and share their insights with you.

We know attending an event like this can be a bit nerve-wracking for some people, so we want to make sure we provide as much reassurance and guidance as possible to ensure the event is an enjoyable and safe place for everyone. To prepare for the event, we suggest taking a look at the resources below.

• Accessibility and inclusion on Zoom (virtual event platform) - look at this section to learn how to use Zoom and utilise the accessibility and inclusivity features.
• Networking top tips and etiquette - find out what networking looks like at a Bright Network event and the key Dos and Don'ts for networking, plus access extra resources to feel confident in your abilities before the event.
• LinkedIn Groups - we have created an online community where you can meet other attendees before the event. Join the Black Talent in Banking October 2025 group via the links in the emails we've sent to you since you got a place at the event (try searching for "Your Application to Bright Network Black Talent in Banking October 2025" in your inbox).

If you need support with anything prior to or during the event, or have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us at events@brightnetwork.co.uk and we'd be more than happy to help. Additionally, if you have any requirements that would help your attendance at the event be more accessible, please let us know and we can make suitable arrangements.

The event will be streamed over Zoom. You can access the sessions via a web browser or the Zoom app. You will need to have a Zoom account to access the experience.

Signing into your account

Your joining link will be sent to you before the event. Please ensure that you log into Zoom using the same email address you used to apply to Black Talent in Banking. Click on Register.

An example of the type of email you'd receive is below.

The hosts', speakers' and panellists' introductions will include an audio description for any attendees with visual impairments. For example, "My name is Hester and my pronouns are she/her. I'm the Senior Events Marketing Executive at Bright Network. I'm a white female in her early twenties with curly ginger hair. I'm wearing a green t-shirt and behind me is a busy office."

Closed captioning can be added on Zoom Events by clicking the "CC" icon in the lower toolbar on Zoom. 

If you click on your icon in the top right corner, you can update your personal profile. You can also select whether you’re ‘Feeling Social’ and are happy for people to connect with you, are ‘Simply Exploring’, or would prefer to be hidden. If you select ‘Hide Me’ people will not be able to DM you, but we will still be able to see your icon and name if you post in the Lobby chat.

We suggest adding your First Name, Last Name, your Degree and University. Add your Degree in the designated space for ‘Position.’ Add your University in the designated space for ‘Company'. If you have joined via the Zoom desktop app/client, you will have the option to Create a full profile.

You can also add your pronouns next to your last name.

If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed at the event - either because of anxiety, autism, or anything else - we have lots of support available, please don’t suffer in silence.

A mental health first aider from the Bright Network team will be available throughout the event for anyone who feels like they need to speak to someone. Please find them on the Zoom Events platform or email events@brightnetwork.co.uk. Learn more about our mental health support.

As you might've noticed in the agenda, there are breaks incorporated across the event. These have been added to ensure there is time to digest the content and step away to stretch, get a drink, etc.

If you need support with anything prior to or during the event, or have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us at events@brightnetwork.co.uk and we'd be more than happy to help. Additionally, if you have any requirements that would help you access our event better, please let us know and we can make suitable arrangements.