Sustainability in the financial services sector
The climate crisis has been brought sharply into focus in recent years with unprecedented weather events and humanity’s impact on the planet and its inhabitants becoming better understood.
At COP26, hosted by the UK in 2021, the first of four goals was a commitment for countries to strengthen their climate change targets to align with the Paris temperature goal of 1.5 degrees.
At the time, it was stated that this would necessitate ending coal power, halting deforestation and transitioning to clean vehicles.
And, although slowly, this shift is starting to happen.
It’s possible for households to switch to sustainably produced electricity, electric vehicles are more readily available, EV charging points are appearing in service stations and along suburban streets and alternatives to gas central heating are being offered alongside traditional alternatives.
But is it happening quickly enough?
"Slowly, a shift is starting to happen"
Cost is a massive factor in moving away from fossil fuels.
The initial outlay for an electric car, ground source heat pump or solar panels is high – which is a disincentive for families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
But, if it’s possible to find a solution to this problem then there are long-term rewards - with cheaper, sustainable energy available to everyone.
As a business it's an area that we’re moving towards, but we know that we have more to do.
How we're responding to the climate crisis at OneFamily
- Colleagues’ cycle to work scheme
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme for our team
- Investments with a focus on the climate
- Recycling initiatives, we send no waste to landfill
- Hybrid working that reduces carbon emissions from commuting
- Encouraging our team to use public transport where possible
Jim places great value on the importance of education, citing it as the foundation stone upon which social mobility can be built. As OneFamily’s CEO, he wants to hold out his hand of support to those who don’t know where to turn and to use his platform to lift people up and inspire them to fulfil their potential.
He encourages thinking big, having great aspirations and setting audacious goals to free potential. With education, encouragement and empowerment he thinks that any child can achieve their biggest and most colourful of dreams.
Jim was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of financial mutual, OneFamily, in December 2023.
OneFamily is the UK’s third largest mutual with over 2m customers.
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