Ipswich Building Society
Ipswich Building Society is an independent mutual, owned by our members, who we’ve helped to buy a home and save for the future since 1849. We place members at the heart of our organisation, and we’re here to help the community because it’s the one we live in too. We do this through our financial education programmes, volunteering, and financial support for charity and community organisations.
- Updated:
- 26 September 2017
- Location:
- East of England
- Sectors:
- Finance, Businesses and shops, Retail
- Local Alliances:
- Ipswich Dementia Action Alliance
1. Action Plan
1. The National Dementia Declaration lists seven outcomes that the DAA are seeking to achieve for people with dementia and their carers. How would you describe your organisation’s role in delivering better outcomes for people with dementia and their carers?
Ipswich Building Society has 9 branches across Suffolk and 65,000 members. We’re here to provide great service, and build up lasting relationships. This means we need to support members – whether that’s through tools such as having large print items and hearing aid loops, through to having trained staff able to support those with dementia.
2. What are the challenges to delivering these outcomes from the perspective of your organisation?
The majority of staff in branch are Dementia Friends, but we aim to train all staff to become Dementia Friends.
Member website
www.ibs.co.uk2. Actions
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Have a selection of Dementia Champions based in our branches and head office
The number of Champions working for the Society currently stands at three, with a fourth due to be trained imminently. These individuals are able to act as a point of contact for those living with Dementia and their carers, whilst also acting as information sources for other staff.
The Champions are able to run Information Sessions and recruit Dementia Friends.
- Status:
- Completed
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Provide all Ipswich Building Society staff the opportunity to attend a Dementia Friends Information Session
Information sessions can be run internally by the Dementia Champions. Staff will be given the opportunity to attend a session and in turn, can become Dementia Friends.
- Status:
- Completed
2017 - First Quarter Update
All staff in branch are Dementia friends. Consequently, awareness has risen and staff are more confident discussing the subject with customers and members of the public.
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Run Information Sessions in our local communities
The Society's employees who are Dementia Champions will run Information Session's within local communities. The Society currently has 9 branches and we aim to run sessions in the communities that these branches are in.
This action will provide the opportunity to increase awareness amongst our customers.
Individual branches have held sessions which have been attended by customers and the general public.
- Status:
- Delivery
2017 - First Quarter Update
Sessions have been held in branch for members of the public. These have been very well received and have encouraged attendees to spread the message to their friends and family.
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Create a Dementia friendly environment
We offer customers the opportunity to talk in private, meaning distractions are eliminated. We will ensure signage is clear and easy to read, and that the branch is welcoming.
By trainin our staff to be Dementia Friends, our interactions with members living with Dementia will be more sensitive and tailored.
- Status:
- Delivery
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Have an information notice board in branch
We will use a notice board in branch to raise awareness of Dementia. This can be used to advertise help sessions, contact details and any information which would be of help to those living with Dementia and their carers.
- Status:
- Planning