Co-op Bank saluted in new CSR survey

THE Co-operative Bank is one of the ten most respected brands in the world when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility, according to a recent Financial Times survey.
In a poll of 150 media commentators and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from around the world, the bank was rated as ninth for CSR.
In a special Financial Times supplement, entitled The World&#039s Most Respected Companies, a commentary stated: "The bank introduced its ethical policy in 1992 in line with its long history as part of the Co-operative Movement and it markets its commitment to responsible behaviour as a unique selling point, setting it apart from other financial institutions.
"For instance, it will not invest in any government or business that fails to uphold human rights, or any business whose links to oppressive regimes are a cause for concern. Its customers also have a say in setting its ethical policies."
Simon Williams, Director of Corporate Affairs at Co-operative Financial Services (CFS), said: "The bank&#039s operations and trading activities are restricted to the UK, so to be recognised across the world in this way is a tremendous achievement.
"It is yet more evidence that the bank&#039s approach to corporate social responsibility is now universally recognised as being cutting edge."