Please provide a short outline of your current role and a brief description of any other relevant career experience:
I work in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team at SMBC, where I help ensure the Bank takes a holistic approach to social impact. My role involves developing and supporting initiatives that create meaningful change in our communities, with a focus on social mobility, sustainability and inclusive access to careers in financial services.

This is my first corporate role, having transitioned from the third and charity sectors. My background includes working with young people across a range of settings – from supporting wellbeing in the NHS, to using sport as a tool for rehabilitation in the Criminal Justice System and raising aspirations in education. Across all these roles, my focus has been on empowering individuals and creating opportunities for those who need them most.

Why is CSR important to your organisation?
At SMBC, we believe that true success goes beyond financial performance – it’s about making a meaningful difference in the world around us. Corporate Social Responsibility is woven into the fabric of our purpose. It reflects our commitment to building a future where economic progress and social wellbeing go hand in hand.

Through our CSR initiatives, we aim to reduce inequality, support upward mobility and champion sustainability. Whether it’s through community engagement, environmental stewardship or inclusive growth, we’re using our resources and expertise to create lasting value – not just for our business, but for society as a whole. It’s how we turn our vision of “fulfilled growth” into reality.

Which topics, themes or initiatives is your organisation currently focused on?
Our current CSR focus includes broadening access to careers in financial services for under-represented groups, promoting social mobility and encouraging environmental responsibility. A key pillar of our strategy is employee volunteering – we offer our UK permanent staff six days of paid volunteering leave annually.

Our partnership with ELBA has been instrumental in increasing colleague engagement in volunteering. Through ELBA, we’ve been able to offer a wide range of impactful opportunities, from mentoring young people to supporting community organisations. We’re also working closely with ELBA’s Education team to give young people first-hand exposure to the world of finance, helping to raise aspirations and open doors to new possibilities.

What is the best part of your job?
Working with incredible people in the community and creating opportunities for young people to experience environments they might not otherwise have access to. Seeing their confidence grow and their aspirations rise is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that our work can have a lasting impact on someone’s future is what makes it all worthwhile.