As a Certified B Corporation (or B Corp), we’ve been independently recognised for managing our business to high standards, resulting in positive impacts for our customers, community, environment and team members, while always being transparent and accountable for our actions. This certification is administered by B Lab, a global nonprofit network that assess companies on their social and environment performance, accountability and transparency.
What it means to be a
B Corp
We are now one of a few banks in Australia to belong to a global network of like-minded businesses meeting high standards to benefit everyone.
We often talk about our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments and being a responsible bank that’s purpose-led, and this B Corp Certification is a global recognition of that. It provides you, our customers, with the confidence we take our commitments seriously and deliver on our promise to put purpose before profits.
How we achieved B Corp Certification
How we achieved B Corp Certification
B Corp Certification assesses organisations across five key areas: Customers, Community, Environment, Team Members and Governance. Through these five pillars, we demonstrated our commitment to purpose before profit. Examples of the work we’ve been doing in this space can be seen through the following initiatives:
- Partnering with Mission Australia to cut utility bills and reduce emissions for community housing tenants.
- The launch of our second Reconciliation Action Plan, envisioning a future where all First Nations peoples can find a place to call home and achieve the financial independence to pursue their dreams. The launch of our second Financial Inclusion Action Plan which defines the practical actions we’re taking to improve the financial wellbeing of our customers, team members and the communities which we operate in.
- Our ongoing commitment to our Climate Action Plan maps out how we believe we can reduce our emissions, setting clear targets and being transparent in the way we report and share our progress with our customers.
- Our commitment to building a diverse and inclusive culture at work through the setup of our Diversity and Inclusion Council and implementing appropriate policies and practices.
Our purpose defines who we are
Our purpose is to help all Australians to own their own home. We know that secure, stable, and affordable housing is the foundation on which homeownership is built. We believe this access should span the housing spectrum, from community housing and renting to full homeownership.
At Great Southern Bank, we’re driven by the belief that business should be a force for good, and we strive to make a positive impact through our actions and our business practices.
What’s next
It’s fantastic to be part of a globally recognised movement that’s shifting the economic system to benefit everyone. We will continue to work towards a better future for our customers, team members, community and the environment.
To find out more about B Lab, B Corporation and our B Corp impact score, click here