SWINDON-based building society Nationwide has received a five-star rating on the Corporate Responsibility Index.

Published today, the study, overseen by organisation Business in the Community, helps firms manage and instigate responsible practices.

Nationwide, based in Pipers Way, scored 99 per cent overall with the average score being 91 per cent.

Graham Beale, Nationwide’s chief executive, said: “It’s a huge achievement for Nationwide and shows how our commitment to doing the right thing runs across all areas of the society. Whether we’re paying the living wage, supporting our members through best-in-class customer service, or creating an inclusive and exciting workplace for our employees, we see corporate responsibility as a way to show there’s a better way to do business.”

The index announcement coincides with Responsible Business Week which launches today. It is an annual celebration of the positive contributions businesses make to the community.

Stephen Howard, Business in the Community’s chief executive, said: “The Index shows us that we are moving in the right direction and companies are now increasingly integrating responsible business practice into decision making right across the business.

“To truly change business culture, companies need to engage their people to embrace a different way of doing business with responsible values at the core.

So it is especially encouraging this year that we have seen a significant increase in the representation of corporate responsibility, both at board level and amongst the generation of future leaders that will shape the businesses of tomorrow.

“I congratulate Nationwide for achieving its ranking and look forward to working together to create a fairer society and a more sustainable future.”

To See the full index at visit www.bitc.org.uk/crindex