In the community

Investing in the community is an important part of Barclays sustainability strategy. We believe our business will benefit from contributing to the development and sustainability of the communities where we operate.

In 2007, we invested £52.4million in community projects around the world, and more than 43,000 colleagues in 29 countries were involved in our fundraising and volunteering initiatives.

We also made a step change towards globalising our community investment. As we grow outside the UK, our community investment should reflect that growing presence. In 2007, our investment outside the UK increased from 15% of the total (£6.9m) to 26% (£13.5m).

Another change in 2007 was giving more responsibility for budget allocations and spending to the different areas of our business. Within our overarching community investment framework, businesses can decide the causes which matter most in their communities – from tackling malaria in East Africa to helping reduce debt among elderly people in the UK.

Banking on Brighter Futures

In October, we committed to invest $150m over the next five years, to support 1,500 Banking on Brighter Futures projects around the world. Employees are being encouraged to volunteer 150,000 hours of their time.

Banking on Brighter Futures is our flagship programme allowing us to use our financial skills and expertise to help people work towards financial independence and security. Aligning our community investment to our core business maximises the impact. We are giving money and using the power and capability of our organisation to tackle social issues, focusing on financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, education and helping people into employment.

Rachael Barber Global Head of Community Investment says: "Banking on Brighter Futures covers a huge range of different projects, from major initiatives such as the £3.5m Barclaycard Horizons programme in the UK which has so far benefited 89,000 lone parents and their children, right through to Barclays Capital’s programme with YWCA in New York which involves 24 employees acting as mentors and has already helped six women find employment."