CR starts at the top

Real people making a real difference

Over the last few months Chelsea has been impacted by several industry events and issues including failing banks, interest rate fluctuations, rating agency downgrades and fraud provision. It's hardly been a level playing field. Yet despite all of this Chelsea has continued to do what we think essential, delivering an excellent service and product range for our customers and supporting the communities where we choose to do business.

Although new to Chelsea, I've enjoyed learning about some of the great work being carried out in the communities in which Chelsea operates. I'm proud to see the many examples in this year's report and I hope you do too. Despite the turbulent economy, it's important not to forget the real people making a real difference and this is truly reflected within this report.

I'd welcome any comments you have so email me at cr@chelseacares.co.uk.

Stuart Bernau, Chairman and Chief Executive

Committed to CR

This is the second year that I have been delighted to contribute to our Corporate Responsibility report. It has been a challenging year for Chelsea and for the building society sector, but we have worked very hard to ensure that commercial challenges did not cause us to waver as regards our commitment to Corporate Responsibility.

This year we have continued to embed CR into our corporate values and business as usual. My board colleagues and I remain convinced that this helps us to continue to be a strong, sustainable business combining sound business principles with respect for our members, our employees, our environment and the communities within which we work.

We very much value the views of our members and other stakeholders so please take the opportunity to give us feedback and get involved!

Jean Irvine, Non-executive Director