The Centre of Excellence for Senior Managers Under The SMCR

Your trusted space for connection, knowledge, and leadership as an SMF.

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Access to our SMF Insights From Aspiring to Approved – and Beyond

Whether you are an experienced Senior Management Function (SMF) holder or preparing to step into the role for the first time, The Culture Space is here to support you at every stage of your journey.

For existing SMFs, we provide

  • A dedicated space to stay ahead of regulatory expectations.
  • Live, SMF-specific learning on key aspects of your leadership role 
  • Peer discussions and expert-led updates
  • The opportunity to connect with other SMFs facing similar challenges, across sectors

For those aspiring to become an SMF

The Culture Space Gateway offers structured preparation via our SMF Readiness Programme through:

  • Live SMF-specific learning, targeted to prepare you fully for your new SMF role
  • Personal development resources to build confidence and competence
  • Support for succession planning, ensuring you’re ready when the right opportunity arises
  • Guidance and learning to strengthen your application and demonstrate commitment to the role

Why Join Us?

Being an SMF can sometimes feel isolating, with few dedicated, ongoing resources to support you once you’ve been approved for the role. That’s why we created The Culture Space, a trusted, members-only centre of excellence, designed specifically for Senior Managers under the SMCR. It brings together knowledge, skills and peer connections in one place. All activities are CPD recognised and help you to build confidence and capability in your role.

For aspiring SMFs, our Gateway Membership provides a tailored programme to prepare you for the journey.

Take the next step

Discover our membership options

Who’s Eligible To Join The Culture Space?

Our Centre of Excellence is open to all SMF holders under the SMCR, offering the support and resources you need to excel. Join a professional community and follow a structured development pathway to enhance your confidence and knowledge.

For aspiring SMFs, our Gateway Membership provides tailored resources to prepare you for the journey.

“The Culture Space is a brilliant community for learning and discussion. As an SMF, I’ve found it especially valuable in not just keeping up with regulatory topics and what is required of me within my role but also how I can have an impact and drive a positive culture within my firm.”

“The Culture space has provided an excellent platform for senior managers to share experiences, navigate challenges together, and gain regulatory insights. Along the way we have built a brilliant, supportive community which I am pleased to be a part of.”

“The Insight Clinics are fantastic. I always feel comfortable, knowledge is shared between members and I am genuinely interested in listening to everyone’s varied opinions in what is a safe space. ”

“The sessions offer fresh insights and perspectives that have helped broaden my understanding and encourage me to think outside the box.”

“The Culture Space has given me the opportunity to learn about a very wide range of relevant, regulatory topics over a series of scheduled events and you always feel “upskilled” after each session. ”

“Julie’s engaging style (always bringing common sense and practical suggestions to achieve compliance) works really well for me and our business. ”

“I have found the Culture Space to be a valuable environment to learn and liaise confidentially with other Senior Managers from a wide variety of firms. Providing a safe environment to discuss different working environments, our experiences with the regulators and collaborate with our peers. ”

“An all round great facility for SMFs to collaborate and learn effectively.”

“This has personally enhanced my insight into challenges other SMFs face ”

“The Culture Space not only provides updates on key regulatory changes, rules and guidance, but also the opportunity to discuss these and consider how these will be dealt with within your firm. ”

“The Insights Clinics are also a great way to share experiences and discuss challenges and opportunities for improvement with other professionals across the financial services industry.”

“Culture Space sessions are interesting, lively and interactive and as a member, I feel I’ve been able to broaden my regulatory knowledge and widen my outlook on the regulatory landscape.”

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