It was rated as the 17th best large company to work for in the UK– up from 67th place last year – the 24th best in the North West, regardless of size, it was also the 2nd most highly rated in Scotland and the 2nd highest in financial services nationally.
Describing the Cumberland as a “world-class company to work for”, Best Companies says: “The Society is an institution that holds dear its roots in community values. It is a vibrant, purpose-driven organisation that values its employees and the communities it serves.”
The findings carry added impact because they are based on anonymous feedback from the Cumberland’s colleagues, with an 89% response rate.
Eighty-one per cent said the experience they get at work is valuable for their future while 92 per cent agreed that their manager “talks openly and honestly with me” and said colleagues “go out of their way” to help each other.
Chief executive Des Moore said: “I'm absolutely delighted with this result. The accreditation means that our reputation for great customer service is backed up by our great people and our credentials as a great place to work.”
Earlier this year the society was awarded Best Companies’ top three-star accreditation, given only to organisations that “truly excel” and provide “world-class levels of workplace engagement”.
The latest findings praise the Cumberland for looking after the mental and physical wellbeing of colleagues and for its commitment to gender inclusivity. Fifty per cent of executive and board roles are now held by women.
Best Companies says the society is a real living wage employer, with reward schemes based on performance and quality of service, while the 'Power Hours' programme supports colleagues in gaining new skills.
It adds that the Cumberland promotes transparency and communication through weekly emails and bi-monthly business round-ups, keeping colleagues informed and engaged.
It also singles out the society's commitment to the environment through energy-saving practices, and charitable initiatives such as the Kinder Kind of Kitchen programme to address food poverty.
Jill Johnston, the Cumberland’s chief people and sustainability officer, said: “I am so proud of everything our people are achieving at the Cumberland. It genuinely makes me smile to know we are not only a 3 star world class organisation but that we are also a leader in our sector and up there with the very best of businesses to work for in both the North West and the UK.
“Over the past 6 years we have had a real focus on ensuring our company values are lived and breathed so we can enable colleagues to thrive in our culture. Whilst leadership is important for any company, in terms of setting strategy and tone, it is the willingness and commitment of our people that truly makes the Cumberland a World Class Organisation.”
The Cumberland is Cumbria’s largest financial institution with assets of £3.2billion, mortgage lending of £2.6billion and branches across Cumbria, Northumberland, Lancashire and Southwest Scotland.