Last year, Skipton Building Society introduced its "work your way" principle that recognises its commitment to flexibility in how and where colleagues work. It ensures they are supported and empowered to manager their own work-life balance.

It has adopted a range of new measures to make sure its colleague remain engaged. About 45% of roles are filled internally, which helps in retaining employees because they know that their career can progress within the society. Job swaps provide experiential development that supports this.

A bonus scheme allows colleagues to share in the society's success when it achieves its goals, and last year the on-target bonus was doubled.

The society was established in 1853 in the Yorkshire market town whose name it shares. Today more than one million people trust Skipton to help them save for the future and buy their own home. Building a better and more sustainable society remains a core value.

It is proud of its heritage and commitment to mutuality and there is a relentless focus on excellent customer service. Together with industry-leading colleague engagement, Skipton believes this sets it apart from others.

The business is one of just a handful of Investor in People Platinum-accredited organisations in the UK. It finds that those plans where colleagues have a say or are involved in from the start are the most effective.