Social

We are focused on creating opportunities for our customers, colleagues and the communities in which we operate with initiatives to boost social mobility, champion equality and diversity and create an inclusive environment for all.

We leverage our capabilities, networks and people to deliver products and services for the real world.

2022 Annual Report

Socially focused lending

Driven by our purpose to create opportunity and enabled by our ability to offer specialist finance to segments often underserved by mainstream finance, we are active in a number of socially
focused lending markets.
As an increasing number of UK homeowners are locked out of the traditional mortgage market, we offer finance to enable self-employed workers and customers with complex income profiles to own their homes.
We provide funding to support the development and growth of SMEs’ economic activity.
We provide a range of wholesale funding products to non-bank lenders across a number of sectors, including Community Development Finance Institutions.

We’re building a diverse, engaged and talented workforce

We recognise that acknowledging everyone’s strengths and valuing the differences of others will contribute to a successful and thriving workplace. We're committed to gender balance:
We’ve launched Thrive, an apprenticeship programme aimed at supporting young people from all backgrounds into a career in financial services
We've laid firm foundations for every employee to be themselves, through education, celebration and shared experiences, covering all areas of diversity including mental health, LGBTQ+ and disability
We're signatories to HM Treasury's Women in Finance and Business in the Community’s Race at Work charters

We’re giving back to our communities

We are active participants in our communities:

Working alongside the Saracens Foundation, we have developed Empower Her, a leadership programme designed to inspire the next generation of female leaders through sport
Our partnership with education charity Future First is helping us to give young people in state schools and colleges the chance to discover careers they may never have considered and to provide relatable role models
Our employees continue to be active participants in the communities in which we operate, offering support through activities including volunteering, fundraising events and participation in the Shawbrook Make a Difference Days.