Barclays wants to give its most talented associates in London a say on potential ways to improve how they are managed, as investment banks seek new means to retain the pick of their junior staff.

Barclays is piloting a so-called 'reverse mentoring' programme that will see 10 London-based associates discuss improvements to management in one-on-one meetings with a member of its banking division's Europe, Middle East and Africa operating committee, according to a person familiar with the matter.