To help celebrate our silver anniversary, in 2009 we launched an initiative called 'Unity in the Community'.

In line with our mission of being committed to enabling social development, supporting community involvement and developing strategic partnerships to make a sustainable contribution to society, we offer our staff five volunteering days each year. As a result, a healthy proportion of our staff already offer support to local voluntary and charitable organisations. This ranges from working for credit unions, teaching English to vulnerable members of society, coaching a children's rugby team, teaching angling to underprivileged children, working for local CVSs, sitting as a JP, chairing a safer neighbourhood panel and working for the 'Appropriate Adult Network'.

Not only does this benefit local communities and society in general, it also provides valuable practical experience for the staff, which enhances their understanding and knowledge of the social economy sector.

Since 2009, staff from across the bank have continued to provide their time, energy and expertise to support local and national charities and good causes. We are delighted to be playing an active role in contributing to our community.

Click here for a summary of the first year's activities or see a few highlights from our experiences in 2009 and 2010.