First northern building society to gain B Corp status named

The Cumberland has become the first building society in the North to achieve B Corp certification and marking a milestone in its 175th anniversary year.

The Carlisle-based mutual was recognised for its ethical business practices, governance, social impact and transparency, achieving a verified B Corp score of 104.6 – well above UK and sector averages – making it the highest-scoring building society to date.

B Corp accreditation recognises organisations that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

The Cumberland now joins a global community of certified businesses that includes brands such as Patagonia, Innocent Drinks and giffgaff.

LARGEST EMPLOYER

The certification also recognises The Cumberland as the largest employer in Cumbria to achieve B Corp status, with assessors highlighting its approach to governance, leadership and long-term purpose as a regulated organisation.

The accreditation praised the building society’s reinvestment of profits into its people, business and communities, as well as its commitment to fair pay, benefits, training, career development and wellbeing. It also highlighted the lender’s community impact through charitable giving and customer support initiatives.

The achievement adds to The Cumberland’s recent recognition as the highest-rated building society and the 10th best large employer nationally in the Best Companies b-Heard rankings.

INTERNATIONAL ENDORSEMENT

Jill Johnston (main picture), chief people and sustainability officer at The Cumberland, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this recognition. Becoming a B Corp is a proud moment for The Cumberland and a fantastic international endorsement of the way we run our business.

“It reflects our commitment to strong governance, ethical leadership and putting people first – values which have guided us for 175 years.

“Not only does it recognise our achievements, but it shows that our ambitions and roadmap for the future are on the right track. Moving forward we’ll continue to operate in a way which benefits all of those around us.”

VALUES-LED ORGANISATION

Des Moore, chief executive, Cumberland BS — Des Moore, Cumberland

Chief executive Des Moore added: “I am proud of the difference we’ve made, not just for colleagues and customers, but for the communities it is based in.

“This shows that The Cumberland is building a sustainable and values-led organisation, and its focus on people and how it operates ensures it can continue to support customers and communities for the long term.”