We encourage our staff to involve themselves in community projects whether on their own initiative or by taking part in the wide range of opportunities offered by our Community Relations team.

We support staff in their volunteering and community work by allowing additional leave and by making donations to organisations, schools and colleges that they support. The Bank makes awards to staff to acknowledge the time and commitment they give voluntarily to community activities and organisations. Community involvement is also recognised as a useful development tool for staff.

"I help out with breakfasts at the Whitechapel Mission (a homeless shelter supported by the Bank) and reading at a local school. I find both give a strong feeling of being involved with the community in a useful and enjoyable way. Mixing with people of all ages and backgrounds and dealing with different situations has increased my confidence in communicating with people and dealing with problems during my working day."
Val Master, PA to HR Director

"I help a seven year old with his maths at a local school, through the Bank's participation in Tower Hamlet's Education and Business Partnership Scheme. It is fantastically rewarding to see him grow in confidence and ability. Explaining complex and unfamiliar concepts to people is an integral part of my job. This provides a fun and lively environment to practice these skills and besides, opportunities to play Snakes and Ladders in the workplace are somewhat more limited!"
Rupert de Vincent-Humphreys, Economist

"I'm a governor at the infant school that my children have attended. The Bank provides the flexibility so I am able to maintain my commitments, through flexible working and the availability of volunteering leave. I've been lucky enough to qualify for funding opportunities and volunteering awards provided by the Bank on behalf of the school. As chairman of the executive committee of the local Scout group. I have been awarded a Court Award, which made a huge difference and allowed the group to make some much needed repairs and improvements to the Scout Hall and its equipment."
Steve Horton, IT Manager