Unity Trust Bank in Birmingham named among the best places to work in the Sunday Times

An ethical bank has been named one of the UK’s best employers. Birmingham-based Unity Trust Bank is on the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024 list in the same week it received a King’s Enterprise Award.

The list recognizes and celebrates the UK’s best employers, based on staff feedback 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.

The bank uses its customers’ deposits to support organizations to make a positive social impact, which could include small businesses, housing associations, membership organisations, social enterprises and charities.

Each loan proposal is reviewed for its positive contribution to society and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Unity Trust claimed that 91% of employees said they were proud to work for the bank and 90% found their work worthwhile.

When looking at measures of workplace happiness, Unity’s highest ranking was for instilling pride at 89%, with an average happiness score of 85%.

Human Resources Director Julia Tarpey said: “Being named in the best jobs is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the inclusive, diverse and collaborative culture we foster at Unity Trust Bank, from 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 clients so they can make a positive impact.

“We are dedicated to living these values ​​by supporting the growth of each individual, enabling them to thrive both personally and professionally.”

Other West Midlands businesses named in the Sunday Times 2024 list

Midland Heart

Birmingham-based housing association providing affordable housing in the Midlands, employing 1,196 people. It has inclusion groups for LGBT+ issues, women, race, ethnicity and disability awareness, along with tailored training for female and black employees pursuing leadership roles.

BBJ&K

The Birmingham advertising agency gives its 22 staff a day off every three months and lets them off at 1pm on Fridays. The agency, which plants a tree in the National Forest when new hires start, holds an annual overseas conference and other benefits include flexible starts and finishes, summer picnics and a £100 employee of the month voucher.

Cross 8

Based in a converted barn near Henley-in-Arden, the consultancy specializes in helping businesses manage change. It offers surprise gifts to reward achievements alongside flexible working hours and location, while holiday pay is not contractually limited but works on trust.

Sonihull

Based in Coventry, Sonihull develops ultrasonic marine anti-fouling technology that has minimal environmental impact compared to traditional chemical methods. This ethos drives the culture of the 27-strong team, where innovation, creativity and collaboration are encouraged and regular staff meetings allow them to influence the company.

Stone junction

PR agency Stafford operates a clear system of targets and detailed training plans for staff following a training ladder, which last year saw ten of its 33 staff achieve promotion. In the past three years, the agency has increased wages by £3,000, cut working hours from 40 to 35 and reduced work per capita targets by 15%.

Employers in the West Midlands

West Midlands Employers, based in Birmingham, provides recruitment and staffing services, but also offers plenty of opportunities for its own 28 staff to develop their careers. It funds postgraduate qualifications, management courses and secondments with clients to develop experience and skills.