The Cumberland has become the first building society in the North of England to achieve B Corp certification, recording the highest score to date for a UK building society.

The Carlisle-headquartered mutual achieved a verified score of 104.6, significantly higher than the 80 points required for accreditation. This status confirms the society meets rigorous international standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

As the largest employer in Cumbria to receive the certification, The Cumberland joins a growing group of Northern organisations committed to "purpose over profit." Its score is particularly notable when compared to established consumer brands and major regional professional service firms.

Regional B Corp Comparison

Organisation	Sector	Location	Score
The Cumberland	Financial Services	Carlisle	104.6
Brabners	Legal Services	Manchester/Liverpool	83.1
Berghaus	Outdoor Retail	Sunderland	80.4
Muckle LLP	Legal Services	Newcastle	80.1

The assessment particularly noted the society’s commitment to its workforce, highlighting its policies on living wages and structured career development. Unlike traditional companies, B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.
A "Step Change" for Mutuals

Jill Johnston, Chief People & Sustainability Officer at The Cumberland, said: “Becoming a B Corp is a proud moment for The Cumberland and a fantastic international endorsement of the way we run our business. It reflects our commitment to strong governance, ethical leadership and putting people first – values which have guided us for 175 years.”

The accreditation follows the society’s ongoing community investment, including its "Kinder Kind of Kitchen" initiative with FareShare and the donation of more than £100,000 to regional causes via its Affinity Accounts.

Des Moore, CEO of The Cumberland, added: “This shows that The Cumberland is building a sustainable and values-led organisation, and its focus on people and how it operates ensures it can continue to support customers and communities for the long term."