"As a mutual we are guided by our social purpose which we interpret as ‘building society, nationwide’. A key element of fulfilling this purpose is employing a mix of people that reflects the wider communities that we serve. To achieve this takes sustained effort and focus, and we still have much to do, but the benefits of building a truly diverse and inclusive organisation are transformational.”

Joe Garner

CEO, Nationwide Building Society

Gender, ethnicity and disability – April 2019

Supporting our people to be themselves at work, we’re committed to building a workforce that mirrors our diverse community of members. Explore our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) strategy, and see the progress we’ve made against the targets we’ve set.

Gender

Female representation across the Society has remained steady at 63% - 65% for the last 3 years

Female representation

Female representation across the Society has remained steady at 63% - 65% for the last 3 years.

34% of our total senior management and executive population is female

Women in senior management

Currently, 34.9% of our total senior management and executive population is female. We’re on track to meet our 2020 diversity target of 33-35% representation.

Ethnic diversity

BAME representation across the Society has increased to 10.3% currently. In branches, BAME representation is 14%

Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) representation

BAME representation across the Society has increased from 4.8% in 2014 to 10.3% currently. This is because our staff are more comfortable declaring their ethnicity.

4.2% of our total senior manager and executive population is BAME

BAME in senior management

Currently, just 4.7% of our total senior manager and executive population is Black, Asian or minority ethnic. We’re below target and are taking considered action to increase representation by 2020.

Disability

Overall 1.9% of our workforce is disabled

Disability representation

With 2.4% of our workforce disclosing as disabled, we’re on course to meet our target to increase this to 2.6% by 2020.

3%

Of our employees identify as Lesbian, Gay or Bi-sexual

21.6%

Of our employees are over 50 years of age, with 38 years the average age

39.6%

Of our employees identify as Christian, which is our largest faith group, followed by "No Religion" at 32.9%

94.6%

Of our employees have completed our online diversity monitoring questionnaire

Gender equality at Nationwide

We’re working hard to improve the diversity of our workforce. Empowering women to move into senior and technology-related roles is a big part of that.

How we’re improving gender equality

Gender pay gap

An inclusive workplace starts with fair pay, regardless of gender.

View data on our gender pay gap

Women in finance

We want to see women have a more prominent role in our workforce – especially at senior levels.

See our targets for women in finance

Our people share their stories

How are diversity, equality and inclusion creating an environment where everyone can thrive? We asked our colleagues to tell us.

Flexible working

When underwriter Holly needed to adjust to the demands of being a carer to her daughter, we did everything possible to support her.

Read about a more flexible workplace

Perceptions of disability

Two colleagues are helping to create a more inclusive and accessible workplace by tackling some of disability’s myths and misconceptions.

Read about changing perceptions of disability

Mentoring

One ambitious placement student wanted more ethnic representation on our board. So some senior figures took him under their wing.

Read about mentoring our leaders of tomorrow

Freedom to excel

Papa explains how our Ethnicity Network gave him the confidence to shape his career – from customer representative all the way to branch manager.

Read about the freedom to excel

An inclusive society

One transgender customer was so impressed with our Customer Service Manager's handling of his power of attorney, that he shouted about it on Twitter.

Read about an inclusive society for all members

Having a voice

One customer was so inspired by our Voices campaign that he gave ordinary people a platform to be heard, he sent in his own piece on mental health.

Read about every member having a voice

Our Employee Network Groups

Helping our people to get the development support they need, our Employee Network Groups also grow our understanding of our employees’ diverse needs.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion networks

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion networks

Play video - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion networks |

Our networks provide a space for people to share what’s important to them. It’s only through this dialogue that we can improve our working practises and build an inclusive workplace for all.

Meet our Partners

Business Disability Forum

A not-for-profit membership organisation that makes it easier and more rewarding to do business with and employ disabled people.

Visit Business Disability Forum

Business In The Community

The oldest and largest business-led membership organisation dedicated to responsible business. Created by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Visit Business In The Community

Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion

Influencing government, business and trade unions, and campaigning for real change.

Visit ENEI website

Stonewall

Working with institutions to create inclusive and accepting cultures.

Visit Stonewall

Women in Finance Charter

A commitment by HM Treasury and signatory firms to work together to build a more balanced and fair industry.

Visit Women in Finance Charter

Employers for Carers

An innovative service for employers – Helping Build carer-friendly work places.

Visit Employers for Carers