An ethical bank has been heralded as one the 海角视频's top employers. Birmingham-based Unity Trust Bank is on the 2024 Sunday Times Best Places to Work list in the same week it received a King's Award for Enterprise.
The list recognises and celebrates the 海角视频's best employers, based on feedback from staff and an independent assessment of six key areas including workplace culture, leadership, employee engagement and wellbeing.
Brindleyplace-based Unity Trust was founded by the trade union movement in 1984.
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The bank uses its clients' deposits to support organisations to deliver positive social impact which could include small businesses, housing associations, membership organisations, social enterprises and charities.
Every loan proposal is reviewed for its positive contribution to society and aligned against the United Nations' sustainable development goals.
Unity Trust claimed 91 per cent of employees said they were proud to work for the bank and 90 per cent felt their work was worthwhile.
When looking at measurements for workplace happiness, Unity's highest ranking was for instilling pride at 89 per cent, with an average happiness score of 85 per cent.
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HR director Julia Tarpey said: "Being named in the Best Places to Work is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the inclusive, diverse and collaborative culture we foster at Unity Trust Bank which our people are proud to be part of.
"Our colleagues share Unity's vision of creating a better society by contributing to economic, community and social change and are fundamental in supporting customers so that they can make a positive impact.
"We are dedicated to living these values by supporting the growth of every individual, enabling them to prosper both personally and professionally."
Other West Midlands companies named in the Sunday Times 2024 list
BBJ&K
The advertising agency in Birmingham gives its 22 employees a wellbeing day off every three months and lets them leave at 1pm on Fridays. The agency, which plants a tree in the National Forest when new employees start, holds an annual conference abroad and other benefits include flexible starts and finishes, summer picnics and a £100 voucher for employee of the month.
Cross 8
Located in a converted barn near Henley-in-Arden, the consultancy specialises in helping businesses manage change. It gives surprise gifts to reward achievement alongside flexible working hours and location while holiday allowance is not contractually limited but operates on trust.
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Midland Heart
Birmingham-based housing association which provides affordable homes across the Midlands, employing 1,196 staff. It has inclusivity groups for LGBT+ issues, women, race, ethnicity and disability awareness, along with bespoke training for female and black employees eyeing leadership roles.
Sigma Connected
Birmingham-based Sigma Connected is a business outsourcing firm, working with clients in sectors such as utilities, financial, telecommunications and retail. Founded in 2011, the company has grown to more than 5,000 people at its head office and sites in South Africa, Australia and the US.
Sonihull
Based in Coventry, Sonihull develops ultrasonic marine anti-fouling technology that has minimal environmental impact compared with traditional chemical methods. This ethos drives the culture of the 27-strong team where innovation, creativity and collaboration is encouraged and regular staff meetings allow them to influence the company.
Stone Junction
The Stafford PR agency operates a clear objectives system and detailed training plans for staff who follow a training ladder which last year resulted in ten of the 33 employees securing a promotion. In the past three years, the agency has increased salaries by £3,000, cut working hours from 40 to 35 and reduced targets for work per head by 15 per cent.
West Midlands Employers
Birmingham-based West Midlands Employers provides recruitment and personnel services but also offers plenty of opportunities for its own 28 staff to grow their careers. It funds postgraduate qualifications, management courses and secondments with clients to develop experience and skills.