Corporate Social Responsibility
When we were first established, in 1984, our vision was to put social change, social benefit and community involvement at the core of our business. Learn more about our mission, vision and values.
This approach remains as important to us today; and we are proud to have been one of the early adopters as we have watched Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) become increasingly important for just about every type of business.
We recognise that as a relatively small business employing around 90 staff, our ability to have a direct influence on others is limited. Our approach therefore is to join with others to bring about change where we can and to set high standards for ourselves. Outlined below are examples of how this translates into everyday practice and why we are a different type of bank.
Award success
Credit Today magazine
In May 2009, Credit Today held its 10th Annual Awards ceremony for financial services providers. A new category was introduced this year, for Corporate Social Responsibility, and Unity was the proud winner.
Charity Finance magazine
We are proud that we provide the highest possible level of customer case; and this has been recognised in Charity Finance magazine’s annual banking survey where we came out ‘best for customer service’ in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. We also came top for our communication with customers in 2009.
In order to be sure that we continue to meet our customers’ expectations in all aspects of our service, we invite you to participate in regular surveys. Responses and views play a major part as we continue to develop socially responsible products and services. All responses are entered into a monthly prize draw to win a £25 donation to a charity of the winner’s choice. To enter our feedback survey, please click here.
We play an active role in our community
Our volunteering programme, Unity in the Community, is key to the way that we seek to take an active role in helping the communities where we operate and out colleagues live. All colleagues are actively encouraged to take five days’ volunteer leave every year to work with their own choice of charity or volunteer organisations. The type and range of these organisations is as varied as the sector itself. Learn more about Unity in the Community.
We support UK and overseas charitable causes
Breakthrough Breast Cancer
For a number of years, Unity colleagues have held events which have raised over £1,800. This amount was match funded by Unity, enabling us to present this charity with a cheque for £3,662.51.
Hearts to Africa
Throughout 2008 we invested in a number of voluntary, community and charitable causes. For example, when we launched our new branding, in April 2008, we donated our remaining stock of pens, notepads and T-shirts, as well as educational materials, and £100 to the ‘Hearts to Africa’ charity which helps improve the lives of children in sub-Saharan Africa.
Oxfam
To encourage customers to sign up to our on-line statement service we purchased an item from Oxfam’s ‘unwrapped gift’ scheme for every 50 customers who signed up. This provides support and training for farmers in developing countries so they can become more profitable and, in turn, contribute to their own communities and train others. Part of the service covers advice on aspects such as forming local cooperatives, and securing loans for buying seeds and equipment. Our contribution of £1,500 in 2009 enabled 30 farmers to be trained in this way.
Financial inclusion
We actively support the credit union movement through our Credit Union Development Fund Grants programme, thereby positively reinforcing the government’s financial inclusion programme. During 2008, a total of £6,000 in grants was made to help credit unions help themselves. Learn more about this fund.
