Nationwide Building Society is to offer staff two days paid leave per year to support volunteer activities within local communities as part of its support for the Big Society agenda.

Employees are able to select a cause of their own choice or can take up opportunities available through Nationwide’s local or national charity partners.

Nationwide’s divisional director, corporate affairs, Maxine Taylor said: “Supporting our local communities is at the centre of Nationwide’s ethos as a mutual organisation and ‘Nationwide Volunteers’ is a natural extension of our corporate responsibility programme.  It is particularly relevant given the Government’s Big Society agenda.

“Employee volunteering can make a real difference to the community sector, particularly within the context of this challenging economic climate. Our talented people giving their time and expertise can be the most effective donation of all.”

Charities and volunteer groups that may need help from Nationwide employees can get more information here and here.