Banker S.A. January 2014 | Page 25

FEATURE ‘A key priority for 2012 was reviewing the content of our leadership programmes to ensure that they are flexible enough to accommodate varying business needs.’ – Standard Bank The bank also mentions that it is committed to partnering with higher learning institutions, learning rotation programmes, to provide international work-based experience. The Barclays connection allows Absa to send some of its staff into international markets where Barclays operates, to gain invaluable global experience. Standard Bank, Africa’s largest bank by assets, spent R609 million on training in 2012, a 25.8% rise from 2011. The bank said in 2012 that it had focused on two talent pools: the executive talent pool of individuals earmarked for key management roles, and the emerging talent pool of staff at an early stage of their careers, but who have the potential to rise to management. ‘A key priority for 2012 was reviewing the content of our leadership programmes to ensure that they are flexible enough to accommodate vary