Insurance Overview

Natwest is part of the RBS Group. 

RBS Group. RBS Group’s Policy states:

“It is our responsibility to minimise these risks and to enter into lending relationships with companies who share our commitment to responsible business practices.”

Based on the information in its 2012 Sustainability Report, RBS Group places heavy restrictions and requires enhanced due diligence for higher Environmental, Social and Ethical (ESE) risk companies in specific sectors. These sectors include power generation, gambling, defence, oil and gas, mining and metals, and forestry.

The group refuses to provide financial services to “to companies involved in either the production, sale or stockpiling of highly controversial weapons including cluster munitions and anti-personnel landmines (including bespoke  components) banned under international agreement ratified by the UK.” See page 32.

However, the group does not refuse outright to lend money to companies operating in other areas typically considered to be unethical.

RBS Group’s positions on Environmental, Social and Ethical (ESE) risk companies are approved by a Senior Risk Committee and are endorsed by the Group Sustainability Committee (GSC). These positions are reviewed at least every two years.

No evidence found of the Group’s ethical lending policy in action.

No policy was found to indicate that NatWest avoids lending to or insuring companies that directly contribute to human rights violations.

Its parent company, RBS Group’s position on human rights states that the group assesses each lending, investment and services decision on an individual basis through its defined risk and credit committee procedures and take into account relevant social, ethical and environmental issues as a part of that process. See RBS Group Position on Human Rights.

Regarding its supply chain, RBS Group’s Human Rights Policy expects that suppliers should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights and make sure they are not complicit in human rights abuses. They should not be complicit in discrimination child labour, or any form of forced or compulsory labour.

Human rights modules have been built into relevant compulsory online training programmes for RBS Group employees. In addition, client specific human rights risk training is delivered to risk professionals and appropriate employees across the Group.

NatWest Bank (UK) provides the following services for financially exlcuded individuals:

• MoneySense: a free online information resource to help individuals with better money management
• Basic Bank Account
• Funding for Lending Scheme (Business) – fee-free loans for businesses who qualify

No evidence that NatWest Bank provides direct financial support to or engages in partnerships with Credit Unions and CDFIs (Community Development Finance Institutions).

However, in 2011, RBS Group, NatWest Bank’s parent company, launched its sponsorship for the Community Development Finance Association (CDFA) “Change Matters 2” performance framework, aimed at raising professional standards in the Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) sector. The framework is one of the CDFA’s five priority commitments to build the CDFI sector, attract more investment for their members and in doing so increase access to affordable finance across the UK.

In addition, the bank group provided £5 million in funding for a new 'Community Business Loan' which was launched in October 2011. CDFIs can apply for loans of between £200,000 and £1m.

NatWest and RBS plc maintain over 4,000 ATMs and 19 Mobile Branches which operate in Scotland, England and Wales (covering 7,000 miles, making 425 stops, and serving 357 communities. The banks also provide a flying air service to the Scottish Isles, where no other banking service is available.

NatWest Bank has fitted its branches to be handicap accessible and provide induction loops at counters and during interviews.

NatWest Bank cash machines have audible tone prompts and newer machines have been installed at height suitable for wheelchair access.

For telephone contact, the bank uses Text Relay and Minicom numbers.

For customers with visual impairments, NatWest Bank provides:

• Statements, brochures and general correspondence letters, information and other literature available in Braille, large print or audiotape
• PIN numbers provided in Braille

NatWest’s parent company, RBS Group, has launched RBS Inspiring Social Enterprise. The Group’s Micro Finance Fund is an independent charity that was set up to lend directly to the social enterprise sector. The fund approved over £3 million for loans in 2012. See page 29.

No evidence found that the bank invests in or lends at lower rates to financially excluded communities.