A look into 2024 at Yorkshire Building Society so far
From launching new DE&I initiatives to adapting the way we do things, 2024 here at Yorkshire Building Society has been filled with exciting events and meaningful changes. All towards helping our people discover their true career value.
So, we’re going to take a look through everything we’ve been up to so far in 2024.
We spent a week in February learning about race inequality in the workplace. As part of Race Equality Week, we ran a series of 30 minute sessions covering different topics around race inequality. So we could be better allies – and reach for better, together. Learn more about what we did for Race Equality week on our LinkedIn.
64% said ethnically diverse employees are playing a key part in tackling race inequality in their organisation
We also caught up with one of our Digital Product Owners, Bethany Pitts, in the first of our Careers Showcases. Shining a light on life in our digital teams, from how she got into a digital career to the typical day here, Bethany shared her journey with us.
“I’m surrounded by a really diverse and supportive community of people here – there’s so much to learn from people’s different expertise!”
Bethany Pitts Digital Product Owner An Inside Look into Everyday Life in our Digital Teams
On World Autism Awareness Day we announced that we’d joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, helping support our customers and colleagues with non-visible disabilities. It was another great step towards making our branches, and our workplaces, a place everyone feels seen, and understood.
“The Sunflower is all about raising awareness of invisible disabilities and conditions. We want to give everyone the same opportunities and a voice, and by investing in the Sunflower, we’ve strengthened the disability inclusive culture at YBS."
Cheryl Bleasdale Sunflower Scheme Ambassador An Inside Look into Everyday Life in our Digital Teams
We spent March #InspiringInclusion for International Women’s Day. We shared how we uplift and celebrate women in our workplaces here at Yorkshire Building Society. And we learnt how to be active allies with a series of events planned by our Womens’ Network – so we can help break down barriers for women at work.
“I wouldn't be where I am in my career today were it not for my allies who have supported me along the way. They have made me feel heard, seen and valued, which has boosted my confidence and helped me believe in my abilities”
Angelika Christian Inspiring Inclusion this International Women’s Day
Back in November 2023, we joined Progress Together, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to creating a financial services sector where everyone, from all socio-economic backgrounds, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Creating a workplace where everyone can realise their full career value is so important to us. So, this April, we’ve been working with Progress Together to keep track of our progress and improve social mobility across our Society.
"At YBS we’re working hard to create an environment that’s inclusive for all colleagues, where everyone has the opportunity to develop and progress, and we felt that we had a gap when it came to social mobility. We also heard this from colleagues in our 2023 DE&I engagement survey, with a number specifically calling for more to be done on social mobility. And that’s why we included it as a key part of our DE&I Strategy."
Amy Thirtle Senior Manager – Resourcing & Inclusion
In June, we put carers on the map for Carers Week 2024. We worked with our Parents & Carers Network to plan a week of amazing events that would shine a light on the incredible work carers do. So we can make sure they get the recognition, and the support, they deserve.
“My line manager has been extremely understanding and supportive. He said ‘your mum is more important than work’, which was exactly what I needed to hear. With his support I was able to fit my work responsibilities around caring for my mum.”
Richard Whittaker Business Services Support Manager Looking after our colleagues when they’re looking after someone else
Building real connections and reaching for better, we’ve been working hard at connecting all our colleagues with our Strategy. We’ve launched our Colleague Connect sessions where they can learn about the progress we’re making, hear about the positive impact their work is having, and have the chance to ask questions. We want everyone to feel part of our purpose of Helping Real Life Happen.
From dens and game stations to wellbeing spaces and a 90 seat auditorium, our newly revamped Bradford office, Yorkshire Drive, finally opened its doors. Listening to our colleagues’ needs throughout, we worked with our design partners and our Colleague Networks to create a workplace where our people want to work and spend time. And a space that’s truly inclusive and accessible for all colleagues.
We were proud to sponsor Leeds Pride again this Summer. We want all of our colleagues to feel like they have a place to belong here. And Pride is such an important time to carry on showing our support. That’s why we hosted a rooftop party for our colleagues to celebrate before joining the march! We loved being part of bringing the city to life to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
“The network is a great way to connect with so many different colleagues who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It gives our voices a platform and makes a real difference to what it's like to work for Yorkshire Building Society.”
Bradley Dolan Test and Assurance Consultant Inside our Proud Network this Pride Month
Since our first donation in 1999, we’ve donated more than £9 million to charities and good causes across the country through our Charitable Foundation. And with our members’ and colleagues’ ongoing support, we’ve been making a difference throughout 2024. So we’re proud to announce that our incredible colleagues raised £47,800 this June by completing the Three Peaks Challenge – despite the weather!
“A very wet, muddy, but fun climb up Pen-Y-Ghent and Plover Hill today with Yorkshire Building Society colleagues all in aid of FareShare UK.”
Kelly Shortland Emerging Talent Assistant
