Best Companies | Barnett Waddingham Company Profile

In response to its learnings throughout the pandemic, Barnett Waddingham launched a WorkSmart programme last year. It enables greater work-life balance and flexibility. Working locations and hours can be adjusted to suit individual, team and business needs, reducing fatigue. The move has been a big success and enhanced productivity.

The leading independent UK professional services consultancy works in a collaborative way and part of this approach is its network of engagement champions across its offices. They support communications and encourage feedback from staff. A regular review takes place with the engagement champions. Training and additional support is given to them as a team to increase their confidence and knowledge in the valuable role they play in helping to understand and build feedback.

The consultancy, which is at the forefront of risk, pensions, investment and insurance, began 32 years ago with just 20 people. Today more than 1,375 people work in eight offices. The team includes 89 partners.

Barnett Waddinham acts as a trusted partner for a wide range of clients in the private and public sectors, who include almost 25% of the FTSE 100. It is free from any external stakeholders, allowing it to take a long-term view with clients and giving it the freedom to bring fresh ideas to the table, unobstructed. The company calls this freethinking and says it’s in its DNA.

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Barnett Waddingham

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Personal Growth

81% of staff agreed

The experience I gain from this job is valuable for my future

The company's talent management programme, Accelerate, includes initiatives that provide a framework for delegates to create and develop ideas for the firm to implement. The project work is overseen by a talent management board, which provides support and guidance and acts as an advocate for the initiative to become embedded within BW.

Giving Something Back

94% of staff agreed

My organisation encourages charitable activities

Being responsible and ethical in its business activities and giving consideration to its social, economic and environmental impact is important to Barnett Waddingham. In 2021, it donated £146,917 to charitable causes - its largest ever amount in one year. Funds were provided to Marie Curie and UK Youth, as well as Covid-19 support charities.

Leadership

91% of staff agreed

This organisation is run on strong values / principles

From 'townhall' meetings led by business area leaders through to 'roadshows' held by senior partners, communication from the management team is a priority. Two-way dialogue with colleagues is encouraged thanks to regular business briefings and webinars, and a quarterly newsletter keeps readers up-to-date about company-wide information and achievements.

Personal Growth

81% of staff agreed

The experience I gain from this job is valuable for my future

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Personal Growth

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Giving Something Back

82%

94% of staff agreed

My organisation encourages charitable activities

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Giving Something Back

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Leadership

96%

91% of staff agreed

This organisation is run on strong values / principles

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Leadership

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Organisation established in

1989

Total number of UK employees

Number of UK locations

Employee average age

52% : 48%

Male : Female employee ratio

49%

Employees earning £35k+

Employee turnover (voluntary)

Quote from the top...

At Barnett Waddingham, our goal is to ensure that we have an inclusive, collaborative and supportive culture that allows everyone to thrive and that brings out the best in all of us. We want everyone who works here to enjoy a positive, engaging and ultimately rewarding environment. Therefore, we actively engage with and listen to our colleagues’ feedback to truly understand what’s working well and what we could improve upon.

Andrew Vaughan, Senior Partner - Barnett Waddingham

Development

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Companies offering a final salary scheme to all employees, or one in which the employer's contribution is at least 5%.

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