Our approach to sustainability
We recognise that financial institutions have an important role to play in addressing challenges such as financial inclusion and financial crime, and in broader systemic issues such as digital transformation and climate change.
As Chief Executive, I aim to ensure that our priorities deliver long-term value for our business, the customers we serve and communities in which we operate.
These segments are entirely interrelated, as it is simply not possible to build sustainable success for one and not the others. Good business depends on a strong, healthy society - and vice versa.
We have an important role to play not just in our economy but in promoting sustainability and diversity. Our culture of Simple, Personal and Fair places fair treatment at the heart of everything we do, underpinned by our well established nine behaviours. We will continue to ensure that our culture supports the delivery of the transformation objectives and our purpose to help people and business prosper.
Our strategy
Our strategy is focused on five pillars, covering the social and environmental topics which are most important to our customers, shareholders, people and communities, and where we can have a real impact:
Our partnerships
Macmillan Cancer Support
A cancer diagnosis can be a huge financial burden and the increasing costs of living are adding additional concern to the lives of people living with and those affected by cancer. Research from Macmillan highlights that 83% of people with cancer in the UK experience some kind of financial impact from their diagnosis, and for those affected, this reaches an average of £891 a month, on top of their usual expenditure.
National Parks UK
Santander is a Founding Partner of the 'Net Zero With Nature' strategy, which defines the role that the National Parks can play in the UK's fight against climate change and the biodiversity crisis. Santander will fund a new project involving the restoration of 220 hectares of damaged peatland in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland.
Twinkl
Since 2019, our Numbers Game programme has helped over 1.5 million children and young adults become more confident with numbers and money.
Working with experts who told us to tackle the issue of financial education from the source, we’ve created hundreds of learning packs with our partner Twinkl, the world’s biggest online education hub, which have been approved by the Government’s Money and Pension Service.
Alzheimer’s Society
We’re proud to partner with Alzheimer’s Society with the ambition to become more digitally friendly for customers affected by dementia.
We aim to ensure all our customers have full access to financial services to improve financial inclusion, better protect our communities from financial crime and help those who struggle with the pace of digital change.
Age UK
Since 2016, we’ve worked together with Age UK to increase the financial independence of older people.