Coventry Building Society to equip workforce with skills for the future

Coventry Building Society, the second largest building society in the UK, has joined the Financial Services Skills Commission, to help equip its employees with the skills they need for the future. The society, which recently acquired The Co-Operative Bank, now has 6,000 colleagues in its group.

The Commission is an independent, non-partisan, member-led body, representing the UK financial services sector on skills. The organisation works directly with the sector and advocates for innovative collaboration to ensure that businesses have the talent and skills they need for the future.

Coventry Building Society will become ‘founder’ members; the Commission’s highest level of corporate membership. They will contribute to the Commission’s working groups to drive change on the sector’s skill gaps, and develop an approach that supports more reskilling, motivating learning, upskilling and attracting talent.

The firm will also join the Commission’s board, meaning it will directly inform the body’s strategy and operations.

Coventry Building Society has a strong focus on developing its people, with 45% of roles recruited internally and a range of tailored development programmes and mentorship opportunities. Through its involvement with the Commission, the society will have access to the latest industry insights, helping to further enhance skills development for colleagues while continuing to deliver the best outcomes for its members.

Andrew Bailey, Head of Talent at Coventry Building Society, said: “We want to play an active role in shaping the future of our industry and being part of the Commission is a brilliant way to do that. It gives us access to the latest insights and ideas on skills training, enabling us to provide the very best development opportunities for our people. By investing in our colleagues’ growth, and the growth of the wider industry, we’re not just strengthening our workforce – we’re ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service to our members now, and in the years ahead.”

Claire Tunley, Chief Executive of the Financial Services Skills Commission, said: “As the second largest building society in the UK, we’re excited about the experience and energy that Andrew and Coventry Building Society will bring to the Commission.

“Following the recent acquisition of The Co-Operative Bank, the society is now looking to the future and we’re looking forward to working with them to boost skills and position themselves for future growth and success.”