Bank of Valletta has recently been recertified with the Equality Mark. This prestigious certification is awarded by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) and recognises an organisation's efforts to provide a healthy work environment that is free from discrimination.

Commenting on this certification, Ray Debattista responsible for the Bank's People and Culture function at Bank of Valletta said, "We are delighted to have been recertified with the Equality Mark, an achievement that is tangible proof of the Bank's commitment to its employees, acknowledging our responsibility to provide equal access to opportunities and career development based on potential, irrespective of gender and caring responsibilities."

In its assessment, the NCPE conducted an audit of the Bank's policies and practices, recruitment strategies, equality in career and personal development opportunities, and family-friendly measures for employees with caring responsibilities. This formal recognition confirms that the Bank's practices are up to standard and accessible to both existing and prospective employees, ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of all employees are respected and safeguarded. This is further supported by the establishment of policies that focus on equal opportunities and that seek to ensure proper protection against sexual harassment, providing ongoing support by way of family-friendly measures. Such measures and recognition are important elements that on the one hand help employee retention and on the other hand, attract prospective employees.

Delving further into the Bank's mission for its people, Ray Debattista went on to say, "In a large organisation like ours, with a workforce of over 2,000 people, gender equality is part of the formula for a successful people-oriented strategy. In today's multicultural world and in an organisation that is strongly committed to ESG, diversity, and inclusion feature highly on our agenda. This is why we have set up a Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality Committee. Chaired by the Chief Officer responsible for People and Culture, this committee features a core team that is working together to promote a healthy environment, ensuring that employees have equal opportunities regardless of age, race, cultural background, skills, beliefs, and sexual orientation.

Dr Tania Camilleri who heads the DIE Committee explained that "the committee aims to drive our diversity and inclusion policies in our day-to-day actions. Over the past months, the committee organised several initiatives including a 'Uniqueness Campaign' that showcased the uniqueness of BOV's people and a series of workshops discussing burn-out and how we can fight it. Dr Camilleri also stated that the Committee will be sharing techniques for leaders to promote greater understanding, compassion, and support for diversity across the Bank."

As Ray Debattista said, these initiatives reaffirm the Bank's efforts in ensuring that its working environment is congenial to building healthy working relationships amongst its people and to effectively be the employer of choice.