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| In Section 2: |   |
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| Corporate Social Responsibility Directors and officers of Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC Directors' report Corporate governance report Barclays report on remuneration Accountability and Audit Presentation of information Risk management |
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Barclays recognises its responsibility to help bring financial services within reach of individuals, businesses and social enterprises, especially those in deprived areas, who find it difficult to access mainstream banking. This is being achieved in part through products such as the basic banking Cash Card account. We support local organisations such as credit unions and Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) and fund money advice and financial literacy programmes.  In 2002, Barclays commissioned research into key stakeholders' views on its financial inclusion work. Consumer and community organisations, government agencies and academics were among those surveyed. The research also identified several areas for improvement. Stakeholders said that all banks needed to make it easier for organisations to apply for funding of financial inclusion initiatives, and were critical of the fact that they often have to submit new applications every year and so find it difficult to implement longer-term programmes. In response, the process for applying to Barclays for funding was simplified. In addition, Barclays has made several long-term commitments including providing funding over three years for the Community Development Finance Association and support, for three years, for a city-wide credit union in Leicester. 
The number of customers with a Barclays Cash Card account grew by 85,000 to 202,000 in 2002. This basic no-credit account, launched in October 2000, is aimed at those who may have previously been unable to open a conventional account because they lacked a financial track record and those worried about going into debt.  Independent research of Cash Card customers conducted in 2002 revealed that 30% had no previous financial holdings either with Barclays or another financial provider and 35% said they had previously applied for a current account and been refused. In anticipation of the launch of the Universal Banking services, Barclays made preparations to handle the demand for Cash Card accounts. This involved developing new processes for managing applications, enabling cash withdrawals at Post Office™ counters and training branch teams. In addition, Barclays committed to paying its share of the £180 million being provided by the major UK banks over five years to help finance the new Post Office™ card account. Our contribution is £30 million over five years. |
Making Business sense  CSR in the marketplace  CSR in the workplace CSR in the community
CSR in the environment |
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