15 March 2016
Report highlights positive impact Bank of Ireland has across Northern Ireland
Bank of Ireland today unveiled its second Responsible Business Report, which provides a comprehensive picture of what the Bank collectively achieved for all of its stakeholders in 2015, as well as highlighting the positive contribution Bank of Ireland UK and its employees is having across Northern Ireland.
Sean Sheehan, Regional Director NI, Consumer and Small Businesses, Bank of Ireland UK said; “The publication of the report is an important staging post as we strive to continuously improve our business. We are proud to be an integral part of the communities we do business in from supporting good causes and developing skills, to promoting inclusivity, commerce and social interactions.”
The report contains a number of visual representations and in-depth articles on some of the banks key initiatives. One of these is Co-operation Ireland’s Fair Chance programme which is a good relations and employability programme designed for 14 – 24 year olds from Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Lurgan and Portadown that aims to build positive and lasting relationships between young people and the communities.
More than 240 young people have taken part in the programme in the past two years developing skills in a variety of work related areas such as CV drafting and employment training. A further 30 students are due to complete the programme later this year.
Sean Sheehan, Regional Director NI, Consumer and Small Businesses, Bank of Ireland UK continued; “We support Co-operation Ireland as one of our five flagship charities. We are passionate about the Fair Chance programme as it gives us the opportunity to work directly with young people in local communities who are eager to learn business acumen and work ethics as well as obtaining employability skills. With the publication of our Responsible Business Report, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on the programme and the importance of investing in young people in Northern Ireland.”
Throughout the programme young people are encouraged to set goals, participate in workshops and challenge themselves. With the support of programme staff, Bank of Ireland UK staff and mentors, young people leaving the programme have demonstrated a deeper appreciation for diversity and increased capacity for securing employment opportunities.
Peter Sheridan, Chief Executive, Co-operation Ireland said: “The landscape of Northern Ireland is ever changing; we believe in teaching young people the importance of different cultures and traditions through workshops which are facilitated in the programme by local groups, including people from the Polish and Chinese communities as well as workshops on Irish culture and Marching Bands.
“Thanks to our supporting partners, such as Bank of Ireland UK, young people leave the programme equipped with skills that will essentially contribute to increased employment opportunities in their future.”
For more information on the Fair Chance programme visit www.cooperationireland.org and to read the Bank of Ireland UK Responsible Business Report please visit www.bankofireland.com/responsiblebusiness
Bank of Ireland UK today unveiled its second Responsible Business Report, which provides a comprehensive picture of what happened at a Group level in 2015, as well as highlighting the hugely positive impact Bank of Ireland UK has as it works to support the people and communities in which it operates across Northern Ireland. One of the activities highlighted in the report is BOI support for Co-operation Irelands Fair Chance programme. Pictured is Peter Sheridan, Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland and Sean Sheehan, Regional Director, NI Consumer and Small Businesses, Bank of Ireland UK with local students.
Notes to editor:
Other highlights from Bank of Ireland UK’s Responsible Business report include:
- Splash for Cash
Last summer Bank of Ireland UK participated in Splash for Cash when Stormont Estate in Belfast was transformed into the Splash on the Hill with a giant 100m waterslide in aid of Co-operation Ireland and Cash for Kids.
- Lap the Lough
More than 60 staff from Bank of Ireland UK joined the 2,000 cyclists who took part in Northern Ireland’s largest cycling event – the 140km Lap the Lough on Sunday 30 August 2015, raising funds for the Bank’s charity partners, Barnardo’s and Co-operation Ireland, as well as for other good causes.
- Catherine Judge Memorial Award
Violinist Mairéad Hickey won the Bank of Ireland UK Catherine Judge Memorial Award 2015, which is an All-Ireland award open to exceptional solo classical musicians who wish to pursue third level musical education. The Award is part of the Bank’s wider Schools programme with Mairéad receiving a bursary and her nominated school received a donation for the music department.
- Charity and customer training
In 2015, Bank of Ireland UK delivered training courses to 245 members of charity and community groups.
- Comprehensive schools programme
As well as offering schools free resources and support to make teaching financial education easy, Bank of Ireland UK have developed unique initiatives across a diverse range of areas including
- Art and Design (Junk Kouture)
- Music (CJMA)
- Business Studies (School Bank with Ulster Rugby/GAA incentives)
- STEM (Generation Innovation)