More Than Ever, Citizenship is a Critical Force for Good
As I reflect on the year, I see communities around the world facing more challenges than ever – conflicts, climate change, economic stress and disparity – all factors creating headwinds for so many. I’m proud to work at Barclays, a firm that believes that it can – and should – play a critical role in helping to create diverse, inclusive, and thriving communities. That spirit of citizenship is central to who we are and a key part of our DNA.
One of the many ways Barclays US Consumer Bank makes a difference is through our Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) initiatives where we share our expertise as a financial services organization, and build and nurture partnerships with non-profits to help meet the needs of the communities where we live and work. Our CRA initiatives received an Outstanding rating by the FDIC this year as we continue to make a difference in Delaware and beyond through efforts that include affordable housing and workforce development; community and economic development financing; financial education, diversity and equality; and access to healthy food. Central to Barclays’ strategy is the belief that a diverse and skilled workforce helps businesses thrive and gives individuals, families and communities the opportunity to achieve financial independence and security. We are committed to economic growth by breaking down barriers for employers, job seekers and employees, and increasing access to capital in underserved communities.
Each fall, Barclays colleagues across the globe participate in our Make a Difference citizenship campaign. This year, 6,200 colleagues volunteered some 25,000 hours globally. From a local perspective, this year’s effort was led by our executive leadership team who hosted and supported more than 1,800 beneficiaries across 40+ opportunities such as LifeSkills sessions, home builds, meal preparation, park clean-ups and other impactful community projects.
Barclays’ flagship philanthropic initiative, LifeSkills, helps people develop the skills and confidence they need to get into work and build a better financial future for themselves and their families. We’ve seen how workforce training transforms lives by helping people find jobs and succeed at work. Partnership is key to making LifeSkills a success. And at Barclays, building strong partnerships is at the core of our business. It’s what drives us.
An example is our 15-year partnership with the Challenge Program, whose mission is to provide vocational training in the construction and woodworking trades for Delaware’s most vulnerable youth, to empower them with the confidence, skills and purpose to become highly employable and self-sufficient. Since 1995, the Challenge Program has offered ethnically diverse, at-risk young people the opportunity to learn valuable construction skills, assistance in earning a high school diploma or GED, and job placement services. They just unveiled their newly expanded CP Furniture social enterprise where they will expand their ability to make custom artisan furniture for the local community to purchase and hire more of their graduates. Over the years, Barclays has provided funding, volunteers, and board support to further its impact.
I’m also very proud of the $300,000 scholarship endowment fund that Barclays provided the HBCU Week Foundation and students attending five historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs): Delaware State University, Hampton University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Howard University. The endowment was made as part of the seventh annual HBCU Week held in Wilmington and the bank’s continued partnership with HBCUs is helping Barclays deliver on its ambition to help diversify talent pipelines. It’s another example of our commitment to promote social equity in local communities and beyond.
I’m incredibly proud of the positive impact Barclays continues to make to foster diverse, inclusive, equitable, and vibrant communities. Our dedicated colleague volunteers invest their time and talents generously and I am extremely grateful for their constant show of support.
Driven by a partnership philosophy, we continue to create extraordinary outcomes for our partners, customers and the communities where we live and work. Our citizenship initiatives create a culture that fills us all with an incredible sense of pride, not just during the holidays, but throughout the entire year.
For more on Barclays’ CRA initiatives, I encourage you to read this article in the latest issue of Delaware Business Magazine: https://issuu.com/articles/39306895.
This information is for educational purposes only, not intended to be financial or legal advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before taking any action based on this information. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinion of Barclays Bank Delaware.
Blog Author
Denny Nealon
Chief Executive Officer
Barclays US Consumer Bank
Denny Nealon is the Chief Executive Officer for Barclays US Consumer Bank (USCB) and Barclays Bank Delaware (BBDE) where he is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of Barclays’ consumer business in the United States, which includes award-winning credit card programs and retail deposits. Denny is part of Barclays America’s management team and serves as a Director on both the BBDE and IHC Boards.
Denny has more than 20 years of experience in the U.S. credit card industry and first joined Barclays in 2004 as Head of the US Partnership business, and then as President of the USCB with responsibility for the day-to-day management of the consumer business.
Prior to joining Barclays, Denny held leadership positions at Bank One and Chase Card Services.
Denny graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served seven years as a Logistics and Supply Corps officer before joining the corporate sector. He also holds an MBA from the University of Maryland.
