JFSC appoints first board apprentice

Tuesday 13 April 2021

The Jersey Financial Services Commission has appointed its first board apprentice, as part of a programme aiming to increase the number of women in senior leadership positions.

Catherine Watson, the Chief Internal Auditor of the Government of Jersey and a Fellow Chartered Accountant, will join the JFSC for a year’s placement, the first of its kind in the world, on 1 April.

“I wanted the Commission to support the I WILL programme to offer more leadership opportunities for women in the public sector and to make an active contribution to improving diversity," JFSC Chair, Mark Hoban, said. "I am delighted that Catherine will be joining us as a Board apprentice. I believe that Catherine and the Commission will benefit hugely from this experience.”

JFSC Commissioner and soon-to-be Deputy Chair, Monique O’Keefe, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity that we are honoured to support. Building a pipeline of high calibre professionals who will contribute to diversity of thought on Boards is key to good governance. Before starting my career as a non-executive director, I took part in the board apprentice scheme, which provided me with invaluable experience. It is also great to see that Jersey is leading the way for regulators across the world by becoming the first to support an apprenticeship of this kind. ”

Ms Watson said she was delighted to have the "honour" of being offered this position with the JFSC.

"Working with such high calibre commissioners and the JFSC executive is a fantastic opportunity; one that I am privileged to have. I would like to thank the Board Apprentice Scheme and the Government of Jersey for their support and to the JFSC for their commitment to providing women in senior leadership positions such a great opportunity for now and the future.”