Barclays Bank Plc

Barclays Bank Plc has established a thriving culture of corporate responsibility and recognises the positive impact that investment in local communities brings to the individuals in those communities and to their workforce. Their commitment to making a difference beyond giving money provides a range of exciting opportunities for staff to improve their skills and get involved with issues that they care passionately about.

Implementation

By supporting the Business Action on Homelessness (BAOH) campaign in Bristol, Barclays’ Regional Trainer for the South West Region, Sam Campbell-Watson, has been able to match and develop the skills of her team to the needs of the homeless people being supported through BAOH’s Ready for Work programme. Sam’s team became involved with the campaign and has so far run three Client Support Network sessions for homeless clients who have completed work placements and are looking for work, or those that have recently found work. These sessions have involved supporting clients in preparing for an assessment centre, teaching interview techniques, networking skills and helping young homeless people with soft skills.

Impact

Barclays’ employees have benefited by getting involved with the Client Support Networks, this has not only provided a practical way to help homeless people, but also delivers tangible results for the staff involved. Benefits to the business and employees have included:

• enhanced listening skills
• team building
• planning and organisation skills
• breaking down barriers
• communication skills
• networking
The programme has also encouraged employees to think outside the usual scope of their roles and have a greater understanding of the community around them and the issues that are prevalent in their area.

Submit your skills story

To shout about your organisation’s skill story and inspire others into following your example, please contact Anita Powell (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 0207 566 6617).

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