We have been working closely with the Financial Services Skills Council to research employability within the financial services sector. By employability we mean the skills, attitudes and behaviours that make new entrants highly sought after and able to make a positive impact on their company soon after joining.

We began group workshops in September and October followed by one-to-one meetings during November and December. So far we have gathered views from a wide group of employers right across the financial services sector. The next stage of our research will begin early next year with schools and universities to understand their views of what skills and behaviours are in demand within our business. We'll be speaking directly to young people in focus groups to hear what they think.

We expect to produce a final report in Spring next year which will be widely distributed to all stakeholders.

SIO was delighted to win the Innovation in Education award at last night's SFE Innovators Awards dinner for its work on developing a Diploma in Investment Accounting. We faced stiff competition from Heriot Watt University and the Open University who both had great entries.

The Diploma has been built by employers, for employers in close collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. It will provide candidates with an end-to-end understanding of investment accounting and will help employers to continue to attract and retain talent in this important area of our industry.

SIO has been shortlisted as a finalist at this year's SFE Innovators Awards for its work in developing a Diploma in Investment Accounting. We've been recognised in SFE's 'innovation in education' category. The prize giving takes place at an awards dinner tomorrow night at the EICC in Edinburgh and we're up against tough competition in the form of a new MSc from Heriot Watt University and a new Diploma from the Open University. Fingers crossed!