Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a vital element of our people-focused culture. It underpins how we treat each other, not only colleagues, but every other individual and organisation with whom we come into contact.
Santander's vision is to be UK's best commercial bank. We will achieve this by earning and keeping the public's trust, and preserving our reputation in the eyes of our stakeholders. Recognising the impact our business makes on the community and environment, we reduce negative influences where possible, and aim to make a wholly positive contribution to British society and our stakeholders - treating both with honesty and fairness.
Our Key CSR Principles
Delivering Value to Customers
By understanding our customers' needs and delivering value-for-money, targeted products, Santander aims to build deeper, longer relationships that benefit both parties; and where customers are dissatisfied, we resolve issues efficiently.A key issue is financial exclusion and we're proud of the work we do internally and with external partners to ease the problems of financial literacy and capability.
Treating our Employees Well
It's equally important to provide a positive working experience for our people and we support a healthy work/life balance for everyone. By creating a workforce that reflects the diversity in society, and by recognising and respecting individual differences, we will benefit from the full range of knowledge and skills on offer.Santander aspires to create a high performance culture where employees are supported to achieve their best and are rewarded consistently and fairly.
Santander values communication, openness and approachability. Strong relationships with our trade union colleagues are critical and Advance, the independent trade union, is consulted on major initiatives and has bargaining and representation rights.
In Partnership with Suppliers
Our partners tend to share our commitment to conducting business responsibly. We use competitive tendering and deal with suppliers in a fair and open manner. Suppliers are asked to adhere to the UN Global Compact principles on human rights, labour standards, environment and anti-corruption.Investing in Communities
Santander is committed to supporting the local community, primarily addressing financial and education issues.The Santander Foundation provides a focus for company giving, and donates over £3m annually to national and local charities. Employees are encouraged to participate in many ways. Up to 35 hours a year can be claimed by staff to work with a cause of their choice. Volunteering activities can be linked to training & development goals and our 'Community Days' allow employees to take a day out to work with a charity.
Approach to the Environment
We are committed to creating a successful business that isn't achieved at the expense of the environment. Our biggest environmental impact is created across our property portfolio and the use of electricity, gas and paper, and waste generation. We therefore invest in the latest technology to reduce our carbon emissions through energy efficient equipment and are addressing our waste and recycling activities.Investments and Lending
In assessing investment and lending proposals, Santander considers a number of factors including the potential impact on human rights, public health and the environment. Proposals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis taking into account the ethical implications of supporting a particular organisation, government or project.Read more about our latest CSR activities, via the About Santander website.
