Best Companies | Darlington Building Society Company Profile

With no outside shareholders to account to, Darlington Building Society nonetheless makes itself accountable to its employees and the communities in which they live. All dividends are used to benefit members of the mutual organisation, named after the Co Durham town in which it was founded in 1856.

The society is committed to working for the benefit of its people and region. It supports employment at its nine branches across the Northeast, including the Tees Valley, North Yorkshire and Co Durham. It also runs 'Darlingtonline', its online banking service.

A Darlington pledge is to annually share 5% of net profits after tax and it offers various career prospects, too – the latter being a key objective in the development of its people.

The Society has always had a strong family culture and as working remotely has become the norm, it has continued to invest in improving its ability to communicate with colleagues. The Society hosts a quarterly 'Breakfast with the Exec' and 'Lunch with the Board' to allow colleagues an open forum with the CEO and senior leaders. Here they can put forward their ideas and thoughts on how the organisation is doing on all matters relating to both its members, as well as internally for employees.

A spotlight on

Darlington Building Society

View the latest achievements

Giving Something Back

99% of staff agreed

My organisation encourages charitable activities

In 2021 a new community impact strategy was launched, which is focused on supporting charities, good causes and local communities. As part of this, colleagues have volunteered over 577 hours, helping with community litter picks, Covid-19 marshalling and at food banks.

Wellbeing

79% of staff agreed

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

To support the good health of its colleagues, the organisation has engaged with local counsellors to to ensure appointments can be made within a week of being needed. There's also a cash healthcare plan open to all colleagues, where holistic treatments, such as acupuncture and massage, can be claimed back.

My Manager

89% of staff agreed

My manager cares about me as an individual

Managers at all levels are offered ongoing learning and development opportunities, most recently focusing on adapting to the changing world of work. Beyond leadership skills and strengthening behaviours, there has also been a focus on utilising technology – hardware and software – to enhance managers' toolkits so that they can manage and support their teams.

Giving Something Back

99% of staff agreed

My organisation encourages charitable activities

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Giving Something Back

Best Practice

Wellbeing

82%

79% of staff agreed

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

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Wellbeing

Best Practice

My Manager

96%

89% of staff agreed

My manager cares about me as an individual

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My Manager

Best Practice

Organisation established in

1856

Total number of UK employees

Number of UK locations

Employee average age

28% : 72%

Male : Female employee ratio

19%

Employees earning £35k+

23%

Employee turnover (voluntary)

Quote from the top...

We are constantly looking to evolve our employee proposition to support, reward and develop in an ever-changing world. We want to create stability and certainty, to create an extension to your family, that looks after and out for one another and drives to deliver the best out of each of us on a day-to-day basis. With this we believe true culture and engagement grows organically and its what enables us to deliver great service to our members and local communities.

Niki Barker, Director of People & Culture - Darlington Building Society

Gym / Sports

Companies offering free or subsidised sports facilities / activities / gym memberships to all employees.

Pensions

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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