For mums balancing careers, childcare and finances, seeing more women in leadership roles can make a real difference. Bath Building Society is aiming to do exactly that, after signing up to the Women in Finance Charter.
The move signals a renewed commitment to improving gender balance and creating more inclusive opportunities across the finance sector – something that directly impacts families and communities across Bath and Wiltshire.
Women currently hold 33% of senior management positions at Bath Building Society, reflecting progress in recent years. The Society has now set clear targets to increase this to 40% by the end of 2028 and to reach gender parity of 50% by 2030.
Launched by HM Treasury, the Women in Finance Charter brings together financial organisations committed to building more balanced leadership teams and better reflecting the people they serve.
Chief Executive Officer Richard Ingle said, “We’re dedicated to having a real gender balance at every level in the Society. 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.”
The Society says its approach includes a range of initiatives to support female colleagues throughout their careers. These include improving how talent is identified and developed, supporting progression into leadership roles, expanding flexible and hybrid working options and enhancing family-friendly policies.
Across the sector, there are signs of progress. Female representation in senior management among building society signatories now stands at 44%, compared with a cross-sector average of 37%, making it one of the strongest-performing areas in financial services.
By signing the Charter, Bath Building Society says it is aligning with others in the mutual sector working to drive lasting change, with the aim of delivering better outcomes for colleagues, members and the wider community.
