Unity Trust Bank, which has its headquarters based in the heart of Westside, has been named as one the UK’s top employers.
The ethical bank, whose offices are at Four Brindleyplace, was one of the top businesses in the 2024 Sunday Times Best Places to Work list.
The list recognises and celebrates the UK’s best employers based on feedback from staff and an independent assessment of six key areas, including workplace culture, leadership, employee engagement and wellbeing.
Unity Trust, which was founded by the trade union movement in 1984, uses its clients’ deposits to support organisations delivering positive social impact. This includes everything from small businesses to housing associations, as well as membership groups, social enterprises and charities.
Every loan proposal is reviewed for its positive contribution to society and aligned against the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
An impressive 91 per cent of employees at Unity Trust say they are proud to work for the bank, with and 90 per cent feeling their work is worthwhile. The bank had an average ‘happiness’ score of 85%.
Julia Tarpey, director of human resources at Unity Trust, said: “Being named in the Best Places to Work is a fantastic achievement. It’s a recognition of the inclusive, diverse and collaborative culture we foster at Unity Trust Bank. Our people are proud to be part of our mission.
“Our colleagues share Unity’s vision of creating a better society by contributing to economic, community and social change. They are fundamental in supporting customers so that they can make a positive impact. We are dedicated to living these values by supporting the growth of every individual. Our support enables them to prosper both personally and professionally.
“From designing our new head-office space with a focus on promoting wellbeing, to funding industry qualifications that allow employees to pursue their career ambitions, and empowering individuals to deliver social impact through company volunteering days and the employee-led ‘Unity & Me’ forum, we recognise that people are at the heart of Unity’s success, and are proud to invest in their wellbeing.”
Unity Trust also has a Gold standard for Investors in People, is a Real Living Wage and Disability Confident Employer, and a signatory of the Women in Finance Charter, which commits it to see fairness and gender balance at all levels.
The Best Place to Work Award comes as Unity Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary, and follows the recent announcement that the bank had received the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2024.
Mike Olley, general manager at Westside BID, said: “We are very proud to host the headquarters of a bank that is now recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK.
“This is a great testament not only to the bank but to the wholesome employment atmosphere that we believe in throughout Westside.”
ENDS
