This month we are pleased to profile the work of Jane Daniels, Engagement & Support Manager at HSBC. HSBC has long been committed to serving the community, working on innovative programmes designed to support people both locally and internationally. With exciting new programmes in the pipeline, we were keen to speak to Jane and learn more about her role and HSBC’s CSR goals.

Hi Jane. Tell us about your current role and other experience in this field.
I’ve held various roles in the Corporate Sustainability team at HSBC since 2010, when I moved into the bank’s global HQ in Canary Wharf after 15 years in HSBC Insurance. As the Support & Engagement Manager for Future Skills, I have two focus areas – supporting projects globally and locally.

In London I work with five local charities, including ELBA, who deliver programmes to schools and the local community to help people develop their employability skills and prospects. These charities provide a selection of volunteering opportunities for my HSBC colleagues, such as helping prepare school children for work experience interviews and placements.

I also work with our Future Skills teams around the world, who engage their colleagues to support charities in their countries to deliver programmes that improve people’s employability and financial capability skills.

Why is CSR important to HSBC?
Since its foundation in 1865, HSBC has adapted to and helped serve the needs of a changing world. HSBC recognises its wider commitments to the communities in which we operate and understands that economic growth must also be sustainable.

HSBC’s current sustainability strategy focuses on three main areas. One is the employability and financial capability area where I work, and the other two are sustainable finance and sustainable supply chains. In each of these areas, we believe, HSBC are taking genuine strides forward.

Which topics, themes or initiatives are HSBC currently focused on?
HSBC has pledged long-term support to help people access education and training so that they can acquire the skills they need to succeed in today’s workplace. With technology developing at a rapid pace, a secondary education or university degree is no longer a guarantee of employment. People now need a range of skills to succeed in the workplace.

The partnership between ELBA and HSBC is a good example of how together we are making a positive change under the employability work area. For example, over the last 10 months, my team have been working with ELBA to assist them in developing a new programme, ENABLE, which will support people in our communities to develop the communication skills needed to improve their current or future employment prospects and earnings.

The financial capability aspects of my role are also increasingly important in a world of rising wealth inequality. To that end, I am proud of the work that my team does to enable people to better manage their money.

What is the best part of your job?
Seeing the amount of time my colleagues give to volunteer, or donate to good causes makes me very proud and I am privileged to work with many wonderful charities and NGOs, here in the UK and across the globe, who are helping to make a difference and improve the lives of people in need. Playing my part in this, and being able to facilitate these partnerships and opportunities is an honour and something I hope to be doing for many years to come.