Barclays is a leading British multinational bank known for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainable finance, providing a wide range of financial services including retail and investment banking, wealth management, and credit cards globally. Discover the social impact initiatives that Barclays has been actively developing. This page highlights key insights into their community-focused projects and sustainable development efforts.

Resources from Barclays

Barclays' "Sustainability Insights" section offers expert views and analyses on sustainability and transitioning to net zero. It features articles discussing strategies for the UK's decarbonization, climate tech as an economic catalyst, the pivotal role of transition finance, and the potential of nature-based solutions for achieving sustainability targets​.
Barclays
Sustainability
Barclays' press release highlights recommendations to position the UK as a top destination for climate tech companies. It suggests establishing dedicated funds, enhancing public finance structures, and promoting inter-institutional collaboration. These steps aim to address financing gaps and leverage the National Wealth Fund to spur innovation and attract climate tech investment
Finance
Technology
Innovation
Inclusion
Barclays and The Just Transition Finance Lab
The Just Transition Finance Lab focuses on transforming the global financial system to advance climate and environmental goals with a people-centered approach. It operates as a center for experimentation and excellence in financial instruments and strategies, policy and regulation, metrics, and case studies to support sustainable transitions​.
Just Transition
Finance
Innovation
Sowing seeds How finance can support a just transition in UK agriculture
The Just Transition Finance Lab focuses on transforming the global financial system to advance climate and environmental goals with a people-centered approach. It operates as a center for experimentation and excellence in financial instruments and strategies, policy and regulation, metrics, and case studies to support sustainable transitions​.
Just Transition
Finance
Innovation
The 10th Impact Series report from Barclays delves into the escalating issue of global food insecurity, which has been worsened by the war in Ukraine, extreme weather events, and rising input costs. The report highlights several critical findings, including severe disruptions in global food supplies and rising food prices, which could have long-term effects on hunger and poverty worldwide. It notes that 50% of global agricultural trade passes through maritime chokepoints, while 85% of Africa's food is imported, making these regions particularly vulnerable. In 2021, 29% of the global population was moderately or severely food insecure. Fertilizer costs, which account for 35% of operating costs for some crops, further strain the food supply chain. The report also identifies 19 countries at risk of worsening food insecurity and points out that 36 out of 55 countries facing food crises heavily relied on Ukraine and Russia for wheat.
Food Insecurity
Global Food Crisis
Ukraine War Impact
Extreme Weather
Rising Food Prices
Fertilizer Costs
Agricultural Trade
Maritime chokepoints
Hunger and Poverty
Food System Challenges
Barclays PLC's 2023 Annual Report showcases key achievements, including a 10.6% Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) and a total income of £25.4 billion, reflecting the company's strong financial resilience. The report highlights significant progress in digital innovation and underscores Barclays' commitment to sustainability, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Notable accomplishments include sourcing 50% of their energy from renewable sources, achieving 33% female representation on the board, and upskilling 3.27 million people. Additionally, Barclays has provided £67.8 billion in sustainable financing, further demonstrating its dedication to responsible business practices.
Barclays 2023 Report
Financial Performance
Sustainable Financing
Digital innovation
Net-zero Emissions
CET1 Capital Ratio
Earnings Per Share
RoTE
Capital Return
Renewable Energy
Barclays' Communities Supplement highlights the bank's commitment to supporting food banks, financial inclusion, and skills development. The report showcases the distribution of 1.3 million food parcels through the Trussell Trust and the unlocking of £2.3 million in financial support for those in need. Since 2013, Barclays has supported 17 million people through its LifeSkills program, empowering individuals with essential skills. The bank also emphasizes sustainable business growth, with 33% of startups at Barclays Eagle Labs focused on sustainability. Additionally, over 9,600 startups have been reached through the Eagle Labs initiative. Barclays has written off £500,000 in debt for individuals in financial crisis and supported 250+ companies through the Unreasonable Impact program. The report also highlights diversity efforts, with 85% of management roles filled by historically disadvantaged individuals.
Barclays Communities
Financial Inclusion
Food banks Support
LifeSkills Program
Sustainable Business Growth
Startup Support
Community Empowerment
Financial Support
Debt Relief
Skill development Programs
Barclays' "10 ESG Themes for 2023" report emphasizes the need for actionable plans in areas like decarbonization, climate adaptation, and governance. Key themes include preparing for new ESG regulations, addressing human rights, and managing the impact of economic turmoil on sustainability goals. The report highlights regional differences in ESG approaches and the importance of transparency in meeting ESG targets.
ESG Themes 2023
Decarbonization
Climate Adaptation
Governance
Human Rights
Sustainability Goals
Economic Impact
Regional ESG strategies
Transparency
ESG Regulations
The Unreasonable Impact programme, a collaboration between Barclays and Unreasonable Group, has introduced 12 new ventures in its UK & Europe cohort, focusing on innovative solutions to climate and social challenges. These ventures, including companies like Shellworks and Winnow, have collectively raised over $400 million in capital and generated $47 million in revenue for 2023. The programme highlights significant achievements, such as preventing 89 million metric tonnes of GHG emissions and avoiding 670 million kg of waste. Additionally, it has supported over 25,000 jobs and 60% of alumni report job growth. The programme benefits from the support of 1,700 investors and 1,000 mentors, and has assisted more than 250 ventures since its inception in 2016.
Unreasonable Impact
Barclays
Climate Tech
Sustainable ventures
Job Growth
GHG Emissions
Renewable energy
Food Waste reduction
Plastic Pollution
Social Impact