Aims

As a major company and employer, Alliance & Leicester is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates. This support is provided through charitable donations, community sponsorship activities and staff volunteering efforts.

Policy criteria

• Supporting our staff's efforts in raising money for charity through the Group's Matched Donation Scheme.
• Supporting initiatives aimed at improving both local and national education.
• Supporting organisations who help those who are experiencing financial difficulties.
• Supporting charities and organisations within the local communities in which our staff live and work.
• Supporting organisations who aim to improve the links between businesses and the communities in which they operate.

In applying these criteria

• We will support selected charitable causes which are in line with our Group's aims. These are likely to include housing, education, families, and financial inclusion as well as, other projects which impact on the Group's customer or employee base.
• We will encourage volunteering efforts in the communities in which we operate, linking with organisations that promote "partnerships" between businesses and the community (e.g. Business in the Community and Cares Incorporated).
• We will consider sympathetically requests for our branches and cash handling services to be made available for collecting donations destined for national and regional appeals.
• In supporting educational initiatives, we will in particular look to support those with an emphasis on financial literacy.
• Our policy precludes donations to animal charities, or specific religious ethnic or political groups.