Independent Member, Financial Markets Infrastructure Committee

The Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom. Sometimes known as the “Old Lady” of Threadneedle Street, the Bank was founded in 1694 with a founding charter that stated its purpose was to “promote the public good and benefit of our people”.

The Bank of England’s purpose today reflects that vision first articulated by our founders. Our mission: to promote the good of the people of the United Kingdom by maintaining monetary and financial stability.

Workplace Initiatives

Returner Programme

We recognise that there is a large untapped talent pool of experienced professionals on a career break, including many high-calibre women who have taken time out of their careers for a variety of different reasons. As part of our inclusion agenda, the Bank is partnering with Women Returners, a specialist return-to-work organisation, to run the Bank of England Career Returners Programme to attract and support returning professionals, with coaching and training support provided by Women Returners and the possibility of a permanent role at the end of the programme.

Applicants will have to go through a short assessment process in order to gain a role. Applicants must have had a career break of two or more years to be eligible for the programme. All returners who gain a position will receive coaching support from Women Returners to help them transition back in to the workplace. The returners will be taking on real live budgeted vacancies – they are not specifically created roles. Flexible working options will be available, though we would ask that all returners attend the full induction.

Testimonials

" I had never thought about working in the public sector. I genuinely can’t remember why I decided to go to the Career Returners launch event at the Bank but it was literally life changing. I realised there was a place where I could work in financial services and still be able to care for my children. This was hugely different from when I was in investment banking. I was also very impressed by the level and quality of people in the Bank. I doubt I wouldn’t be working today if it was not for the programme – it is as simple as that."

"I’m not sure I would have come back to work in the City if I hadn’t have found something like this. Having young children and a long commute, I knew I wouldn’t find the flexibility I needed in the investment banking industry that I used to work in. Finding this scheme gave me the prospect of working part-time and flexibly without giving up on interesting and challenging work."

Working for The Bank of England

As a place of work, the Bank feels different from other organisations. The atmosphere is relaxed but professional, research-driven and connected to real events in the economy. While organisations in the private sector are focused primarily on profits, our objectives are the quality of our thinking and analysis.

Whichever area you join, it’s likely you’ll work on high-impact projects. The issues we deal with on a daily basis are often in the news, and affect everyone in the country. For many of our people, contributing to the public good is one of the most rewarding aspects of working here.

Our historic building is located in the heart of the City and combines rich tradition with up-to-date facilities. Just as important, a strong culture of support exists in the organisation.

The Bank is a member of the Disability Confident scheme. This means that applicants who declare a disability and who meet the minimum requirements of the job description are fast-tracked to the first stage of assessment.

The Bank also encourages Diversity of Thought, which inspires colleagues in every area to share different ways of thinking, working and achieving success. The aim of this is to promote creativity and encourage diverse approaches by inviting people with different backgrounds, skills or talents to present their thoughts and ideas.

In order to promote and support diversity in all its forms, we also have a number of Employee Networks:

LGBT+ AND ALLIES NETWORK

The LGBT+ and Allies Network is fully inclusive and open to every member of staff. This includes people who may not identify as LGBT+ themselves, but who actively support their LGBT+ colleagues, and promote a working environment where everyone – regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity – feels safe and confident to be themselves.

We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion and participate in the Workplace Equality Index most years. In 2018, we moved up 101 places in the index – a huge improvement in one year. Working with Stonewall, we are committed to improving LGBT+ diversity and inclusion even further.

DISABILITY NETWORK

The key objective of the Disability Network is to identify and remove barriers so that people with disabilities can achieve their full potential at the Bank. As well as supporting individuals with specific employment issues, the network organises events for all employees to raise awareness of the full range of disabilities and the challenges facing those who live with them.

MENTAL HEALTH NETWORK

This network is focused on improving people’s understanding of mental health issues. As well as highlighting the support available to colleagues, it organises and sponsors events to combat the stigma around mental health. In doing so, it aims to ensure that anyone affected by mental health issues – either directly or indirectly – feels more inclined to open up and seek help earlier.

WOMEN IN THE BANK NETWORK

The Women in the Bank Network aims to ensure that all women can flourish in the workplace. It’s open to everyone, regardless of gender, focusing on identifying and tackling issues that can hold women back in their professional development and job satisfaction.

Although we still have a way to go, our efforts to address the imbalance between male and female employees have already achieved considerable success. Of around 1300 staff here, 43% are women with 33% at Governor level.

BEEM NETWORK

BEEM was established to inform, inspire, advocate and promote Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) related matters in the Bank. As well as ensuring BAME staff experience the same performance reviews, rates of pay and development opportunities as non-BAME colleagues, BEEM is committed to addressing the imbalance of BAME representation at a senior management level.

MUSLIM NETWORK

The Muslim Network connects and supports Muslim colleagues throughout the Bank, ensuring no one ever has to compromise their religious obligations or spiritual needs in order to excel in their professional role. As part of this, the network also organises events and activities to mark important Islamic celebrations and bring people together throughout the year.

JEWISH NETWORK

The Jewish Network is here to support all Jewish colleagues across the Bank, and help them celebrate and raise awareness of their shared faith. The network is proud of its inclusivity and welcomes members from all denominations and beliefs, including Orthodox, Conservative, Progressive, Cultural and Atheist Jews, as well as those who are not affiliated.

CHRISTIAN UNION

The Christian Union is open to Christians of any (or no) denominational background, as well as colleagues who don’t consider themselves Christians but are interested in finding out more about the Christian faith. Its members regularly come together to study the Bible, pray, talk and socialise, with a focus on their faith and how it influences their work and everyday lives.

CARERS NETWORK

Whether it involves looking after someone with chronic illness, disability or mental health issues, an elderly relative or young children as part of a family, being a carer can be tremendously rewarding. But it’s also extremely demanding. The Carers Network provides the information, advice and support colleagues need to balance that responsibility with a successful career.