Financial Ombudsman Service announces new charity partnership with Sands

THE Financial Ombudsman, a free and easy-to-use service that settles disputes between consumers and financial businesses, has announced Sands as their new charity partner.

Following a companywide vote, Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, was chosen to be supported over the next two years.

This announcement follows the conclusion of support for Kidney Research UK from 2022 to 2024. During this time, the Financial Ombudsman raised over £20,000 to further fund research into kidney disease. Employees took part in a range of challenges and activities including bungee jumps and bake sales, as well as volunteering at Kidney Research’s flagship events, such as the London Bridges Walk and Glastonbury.

The new charity partnership with Sands will aim to raise funds to support their vital work saving babies’ lives and supporting bereaved families. The Financial Ombudsman’s employee-led Giving Something Back committee, which is responsible for coordinating and championing opportunities to work with charity partners, will lead fundraising initiatives over the next two years.

As part of the partnership, Sands will provide workplace training to ensure Ombudsman staff are well-equipped to support those who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss.

In the UK 50% of adults said that they, or someone they know, has experienced at least one form of pregnancy or baby loss. Sands works to save babies’ lives and ensure that, when a baby does die, anyone affected gets the support and care they need.

Abby Thomas, Chief Executive and Chief Ombudsman at the Financial Ombudsman Service, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting Sands in their mission to support parents affected by the devastating loss of a baby, whilst also working to save the lives of babies through vital research and awareness raising.

“Our employees have chosen Sands as their charity partner and I’m excited to see us all get behind this truly important cause and raise much-needed funds.”

Victoria Luk, Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy at Sands, said:

“A big thank you to all the employees at the Financial Ombudsman Service who chose Sands as their charity partner. We are determined to save every life we can, and we will make sure the right care and support is there for every bereaved family, whenever and wherever they need it. Your support can help make that happen.”

The Financial Ombudsman Service was set up by Parliament to resolve individual disputes between financial businesses and their customers on a fair and reasonable basis, as a free alternative to the courts. It can investigate complaints relating to most types of money matters. It is committed to sharing insight and experience to encourage fairness and confidence in financial services.

The Financial Ombudsman is committed to supporting and investing in their people to provide the best service they can to customers. Last year, the Ombudsman opened a new Customer Call Hub in their Coventry office and expanded to other parts of the UK, such as the North West and Scotland. It is committed to building a positive environment by listening to feedback from employees to shape their development, values and service delivery.