Best Companies | Foresters Friendly Society Company Profile

Foresters Friendly Society is a long-standing mutual insurance business, founded in 1834, rooted in the belief of assisting fellow members as they 'walked through the forests of life'.

From its early days of offering essential sick pay and funeral grants, to now providing a wide range of benefits including savings, investment and insurance products, the Society has consistently evolved to meet the needs of its members.

Engagement is at the heart of the organisation. This is perfectly demonstrated by their CSR scheme, where employees partake in paid charity days, fostering a sense of unity and team spirit. This is further complemented by regular social events, like summer and Christmas parties and charity lunches, making the organisation a lively and engaging place to work.

Inclusion in decision-making is not just a concept at Foresters, but a practice. Regular 'All Staff Briefings' led by leaders, including the Chief Executive, keep everyone in the loop about key undertakings and business updates. The Society's values are woven into everything they do, with each team member aligning their objectives to these values during the annual Performance Review process.

Foresters Friendly Society also understands the importance of personal and professional development. The organisation has an ongoing commitment to in-house development courses and funded professional training. Managers are supported with learning opportunities both in-house and externally.

The Society offers an Employee Assistance Programme to support employees in times of need, demonstrating their commitment to their team's wellbeing.

Personal Growth

68% of staff agreed

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

The Society places a premium on personal and professional development. Through their Performance Review process, they plan learning and development activities for each individual, offering in-house courses and funding professional training.

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My Team

78% of staff agreed

I feel a strong sense of family in my team

Foresters Friendly Society encourages team spirit through various social events such as the annual summer and Christmas parties, charity lunches, bake sales, and CSR activities. Team meetings and daily catch-ups maintain cohesion and a sense of belonging amongst colleagues.

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Giving Something Back

100% of staff agreed

My organisation encourages charitable activities

The Society allows paid time off to participate in volunteering activities. In the past year, this has included putting together Christmas gift parcels for local disadvantaged children, gardening at the local general hospital, planting bulbs at a local zoo, and general gardening duties at a local nature reserve.

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Personal Growth

68% of staff agreed

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

See and search more examples of

Personal Growth

Best Practice

My Team

78% of staff agreed

I feel a strong sense of family in my team

See and search more examples of

My Team

Best Practice

Personal Growth

68% of staff agreed

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

See and search more examples of

Personal Growth

Best Practice

Quote from the top...

We are a ‘Friendly Society’ and are committed to acting in that way towards our employees. We have positively and proactively worked on feedback from our previous Best Companies Survey results to improve our day to day working environment through an office move and have also provided additional support and benefits to our staff. This has included a wide range of things from providing fresh fruit in the office on a weekly basis to rewarding all staff with the day off for their birthday. We recognise that individuals have a choice of employer and having Best Companies accreditation as ‘One to Watch’ adds to our credentials as an employer people can be proud to work for.

Rachel Hardy, Chief Executive

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