Who we are
Our co-operative values and ethics have underpinned our approach to banking since 1872. The Co-operative Bank’s customer-led Ethical Policy has been influenced by and designed for our customers for more than 30 years, making it central to how we operate.
At The Co-operative Bank our values and ethics have always been more than just words. We are committed to acting on the issues that are important to our customers and working with our charity partners to deliver real change for planet, people and community.
Together we can:
- tackle the climate crisis
- campaign for change
- demand a fairer society.
The three pillars of our Ethical Policy:
We’re committed to:
- Working to limit and reduce global climate change and the destruction of ecosystems
- Taking steps to reverse the decline in biodiversity
- Preserving animal welfare
- Working towards being a lifetime carbon neutral bank
- Increasing sustainability in our business and suppliers.
We’re committed to:
- Promoting human rights, social justice in international development and equality
- Campaigning for meaningful change in society
- Making sure we’re a responsible bank that treats customers fairly
- Being an ethical employer with a strong culture.
We’re committed to:
- Promoting economic and social development
- Only working with businesses and organisations that are accountable and share our values
- Supporting the co-operative movement and being a member of Co-operatives UK
- Being good digital citizens and maintaining online protections
- Continuing to actively support the small business community.
Planet
We want to deliver banking services that provide a positive difference in the lives of our customers and communities. Our range of Business Current Accounts to suit small businesses, charities, organisations, co-operatives and medium to large enterprises. And, we offer some additional features to help our customers reach their own ESG goals. We also have an ethical screening process to ensure we do not provide products, services or finance to businesses that conflict with our Ethical Policy.
People
You are at the heart of everything we do and we are thankful for the role you play in putting our ethics into action. We love getting your feedback so we can shape our products and services to offer things that matter most to you. That’s why we have created our new Customer Research Panel for you to get involved with. Ethical then, ethical now, ethical always.
Community
We have a commitment to drive meaningful change for our customers, colleagues and community. And, we do this with our Community Directplus Fund that gives Community Directplus customers access to fundraising support to promote projects close to their hearts. Your choice of bank can help change the world.
Supporting the co-operative movement
The Co-operative Bank was founded on the principles of the co-operative movement. For 150 years, we've supported businesses who share the same values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. We’re a member of Co-operatives UK and we’ve partnered with them to offer our Business Support for Co-ops programme.
Find out what our customers think of our bank
Read about why our business customers joined the Co-operative Bank and found better business banking products and services that align with their values and goals.
Learn about the most valued aspects of the bank and how you can be supported to reach your business and ESG goals.
The Co-operative Bank has been voted the winner of the 2023 'Best Charity Banking Provider' award by Business Moneyfacts for the eighth consecutive year.
The Co-operative Bank has been highly commended in the 2020 'Best Service from a Business Bank' award by Business Moneyfacts.