The Cumberland is a vibrant Northern brand driven by an authentic purpose: creating a kinder banking experience for people and planet. As a mutual building society providing financial services across the north-west of England and south-west of Scotland, the organisation demonstrates how putting kindness at the heart of operations generates deep employee loyalty.
Colleague support is anchored by trained Mental Health and Wellbeing Champions who facilitate discussions around menopause, neurodiversity, and men’s mental health. Staff access physical and mental health resources, including an independent Occupational Health provision two days a week, a 24/7 employee assistance programme through CareFirst, and on-call GP services via We Care. People managers receive dedicated training and coaching, while inclusive workplace guidance includes a bespoke baby loss policy and a neurodiversity toolkit.
Transparency thrives through monthly CEO video updates and quarterly Townhalls featuring anonymous Slido Q&As. All employees share a unified appraisal scheme aligned to senior leadership goals, reinforcing shared accountability.
Community engagement is equally vital. Beyond donating £500,000 to combat regional food poverty, employees receive one paid volunteering day annually. Through the Community Conversations initiative, using mobile green sofas, staff directly gather local feedback. The Cumberland truly delivers a colleague-centred workplace culture.
