We're committed to the communities in which we operate
Newcastle Building Society
How important is it for Newcastle Building society to be involved in the local community?
We’re committed to the communities in which we operate. In recent years, we've donated a combined £2.8m to more than 900 local groups through the Community Foundation Tyne and Wear & Northumberland and to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. Last year, we launched the Newcastle Building Society Community Fund and with the help of our customers, we’ve been providing grants to deserving projects across the North East, including Daisy Chain!
We have seen recently that many other local bank branches have been closing down but NBS seem to be investing lots in the high street branches, why do you think this is?
Newcastle Building Society is the largest building society in the North East, and we’re committed to our branch network and staying local. We believe that the provision of local face to face advice and a friendly reliable service is vital to the prosperity of the community.
How did you first become involved with Daisy Chain?
I attended a Friends of Daisy Chain meeting in place of a colleague who was unable to attend. From then on, my relationship with Daisy Chain has strengthened, working together in a number of ways.
Newcastle Building Society have a great volunteering policy for staff, do you think it is important for staff to be able to volunteer in the community, do you think this helps with staff morale?
Absolutely! With two paid volunteering days a year, our colleagues love getting out and about in the community supporting causes that are local to us! Most recently, colleagues in our Middlesbrough branch, Stokesley branch and marketing team have supported Daisy Chain by taking part in the ‘Corporate Big Sort Week’ at the Daisy Chain Superstore.
Was the sponsorship of World Autism Awareness Day beneficial for the building society and for the staff?
Along with raising awareness of our Teesside based branches in Yarm, Stokesley and Middlesbrough, the sponsorship of World Autism Awareness Day was extremely beneficial for the Society, as we were able to interact with around 100 people at the event and informing them of ways in which we could help them save and plan their finances. The staff who took part in the day found it thoroughly rewarding!
As we turn 15 this year, we are asking everyone to share a memory of Daisy Chain they have, it can be very recent or something from a long time ago - anything you can think of!
My most memorable memory of Daisy Chain was getting to finally meet some of the lovely children at both Daisy Chain’s World Autism Awareness Day and the craft session the Society held in Yarm Library! One chid in particular stood out to me who shared his love of pantomimes, we had a great time shouting “OH NO HE ISN’T” and “OH YES HE IS” to each other!
