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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Happy colleagues huddled around a small screen

Creating a workplace where everyone feels included.

At Yorkshire Building Society, we’re shaping a culture where every colleague feels welcome, supported, and able to do their best work. No matter your background, identity, or journey so far.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion sets out the actions we’re taking and the goals we’re working hard to achieve.

By 2030, we’re aiming for:

18% ethnically diverse representation at all levels
39% of colleagues from lower socio-economic backgrounds across all levels
50% women in roles at all levels

Our year-round commitment

We’re proud of the progress we’ve made. Here are some of the initiatives that make inclusion part of everything we do:

Running ongoing awareness campaigns that increase understanding and engagement on key inclusion topics.
Supporting gender balance by committing to the Women in Finance Charter, which helps foster gender diversity in finance. We also create more opportunities for women at every level by supporting development and advancement initiatives.
Championing race equality by creating space for open conversation, learning, and allyship. For example, through our Race Equality Week sessions, colleagues report increased confidence to speak up and take action. We’re also signatories of the Race at Work Charter and work closely with our Ethnicity Network on our action plan.

Promoting social mobility and inclusion by joining networks like Progress Together. Our programs help colleagues from all backgrounds succeed by providing mentorship, training, and opportunities for career advancement.
Supporting communities through the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation, volunteering, and digital skills partnerships. These efforts have helped people secure employment opportunities and participate more fully in their communities.
Launching the Accessibility Passport, helping colleagues outline their support needs and sparking ongoing conversations with managers.

Introducing Our Accessibility Passport

At Yorkshire Building Society, we believe that everyone deserves the support they need to thrive at work. With colleagues bringing different experiences, perspectives and ways of working, creating an inclusive environment means listening, understanding and responding to individual needs.

Our Accessibility Passport is one way we put this commitment into action. It provides a simple, consistent way for colleagues and People Leaders to have open conversations about support, adjustments and working preferences - helping to remove barriers and create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to do their best.

By sharing both our Passport template and practical guidance, we’re supporting organisations to embed accessibility in a meaningful, consistent way - turning good intentions into lasting action.

View and download the Accessibility Passport and Guidance Documents here.

Bringing inclusion to life

Our colleague networks and groups are a big part of how we bring inclusion to life at Yorkshire Building Society. Each one’s supported by senior leaders and works closely with our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Forum. Over 600 colleagues are already involved and making change happen.

Proud Network Leading with pride and purpose

Proud Network

This is a space to celebrate, connect and have open conversations about LGBTQIA+ experiences. It’s a place where everyone can feel supported and heard. Anyone who wants to champion LGBTQIA+ inclusion is welcome to join.
Gender Network Creating space for all genders to thrive

Gender Network

A space to host open, curious conversations and champion gender balance across our Society. Everyone’s welcome to get involved and help drive change.
Parent and Carer’s Network Sharing stories and supporting each other

Parent and Carer’s Network

Representing colleagues with parental and caring responsibilities, this popular space shares valuable resources and personal stories. Together, we raise awareness and provide support to leaders and teams across the Society.
Ethnicity Network Celebrating culture and racial equity

Ethnicity Network

Join this network to share stories and spark conversations that help build understanding. Together, we’re working for ethnic diversity and inclusion at every level.
Accessibility Network Breaking down barriers together

Accessibility Network

This network represents colleagues with accessibility needs, disabilities, long-term health conditions or those who are neurodivergent. It helps make sure everyone has the tools and support they need to do their job well. Come along and help build a more inclusive place to work.

Introducing Our Accessibility Passport

At Yorkshire Building Society, we believe that everyone deserves the support they need to thrive at work. With colleagues bringing different experiences, perspectives and ways of working, creating an inclusive environment means listening, understanding and responding to individual needs.

Our Accessibility Passport is one way we put this commitment into action. It provides a simple, consistent way for colleagues and managers to have open conversations about support, adjustments and working preferences - helping to remove barriers and create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to do their best.

By sharing both our Passport template and practical guidance, we’re supporting organisations to embed accessibility in a meaningful, consistent way - turning good intentions into lasting action.

View and download the Accessibility Passport and Guidance Documents here.
Family Foundations Network Supporting all journeys to parenthood

Family Foundations Network

This group supports colleagues through all routes to becoming a parent by sharing stories, resources and support. Together, we’re creating a more open and understanding work.
Menopause Group Breaking the stigma and building understanding

Menopause Group

This group raises awareness of menopause and offers support to anyone affected. Together, we’re creating a more informed and compassionate workplace.
Social Mobility Network Opening doors to progress

Social Mobility Network

This is a space where every voice is valued. We’re breaking down barriers and raising awareness of how background shapes opportunity.

Our partnerships and accreditations

Through these initiatives and partnerships, we continue to translate our DEI strategy into action, making Yorkshire Building Society a place where every voice is valued and colleagues can thrive.