Bath Building Society has formally signed up to the Women in Finance Charter in a move it said reinforced its long-standing commitment to improving gender balance and creating inclusive opportunities.
The society, where a third of senior management positions are currently held by women, has set itself a target to increase this to 40% by the end of 2028. It then plans to achieve gender parity of 50% by 2030.
Bath Building Society CEO Richard Ingle
The Women in Finance Charter was launched by HM Treasury to bring together financial services firms that are dedicated to building more balanced leadership teams, strengthening decision-making and better reflecting the customers and communities they serve.
As part of the commitment, Bath Building Society – which appointed its first female chair in 2023 – will continue to monitor progress against its targets and embed inclusive practices across recruitment, development and progression.
These include improving the way talent is identified and developed, supporting progression into leadership roles, expanding flexible and hybrid working options, and enhancing family-friendly policies.
The society is also focused on ensuring its workplace culture is inclusive, supportive and welcoming for everyone.
Richard Ingle, chief executive officer, said by signing the Charter, Bath Building Society had reaffirmed its belief that diversity and inclusion were essential to long-term sustainability, stronger performance and positive outcomes for colleagues, members and the wider community.
“We’re dedicated to having a real gender balance at every level in the society,” he added.
“Our people strategy is designed to help everyone succeed and includes a clear plan to meet our gender balance targets.
“This plan supports our strategic goals and reflects the society’s values of integrity, creativity and excellence.
“Some of the steps we’re taking include helping female colleagues progress in their careers, improving the ways we find and develop talent, offering better, flexible working and family support and make sure our workplace is welcoming for everyone.”
Bath Building Society’s commitment to the Charter aligns it with its peers across the mutual sector, where progress in improving gender representation has been made over recent years.
According to the Review of the Women in Finance Charter, female representation in senior management across building society signatories stands at 44%, compared to a cross-sector average of 37%, making it the second strongest performing sector.
Established in 1904 to offer savings and mortgages to the local community, Bath Building Society today has more than 23,000 savings and mortgage members.