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Student being helped by an older man within a classroom, illustrated by a glowing  'spark'

Sparking opportunities in our communities

Barclays is committed to building a stronger and more inclusive economy that’s better for everyone. As well as being there for customers and clients, the bank is supporting communities by enabling people to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed and helping businesses to grow and create jobs. 

Front cover og Lifeskills UK report 2023

Barclays LifeSkills – Unlocking skills and employment opportunities

This year, Barclays celebrates 10 years of positive impact through the LifeSkills programme – read about its support for communities and future approach in the new UK report.

   

Skills and employability

We’re unlocking the skills and employment opportunities that people need to progress. 

student being helped by a teacher

Enhancing skills and confidence

Through LifeSkills, we’re helping people develop the vital employability and financial skills they need to succeed at work, thrive in the digital age and better manage their money.

Digital Eagle helping a client use their tablet

Improving digital skills

Through Digital Eagles, we’re enabling people to be more confident with technology, get the most out of digital banking and stay safe online.

Building careers beyond the military

Through Military & Veterans Outreach, we’re supporting service personnel and veterans to build careers beyond the military, including at the bank. 

Barclays Community Football Fund hero image

Developing skills through football

Through Barclays Community Football Fund, we’re giving grants to community sports groups who need it most, helping to make football more accessible to young people across the UK.

Sustainable growth

We’re championing innovation and sustainable growth by unlocking the world of finance to enable businesses and economies to grow.

Eagle Labs  team

Enabling entrepreneurs to connect and innovate

Through Eagle Labs we’re enabling entrepreneurs across the UK to access a range of support to help them connect, innovate, and grow.

Helping businesses to tackle global challenges

Through Unreasonable Impact, we’re supporting high-growth entrepreneurs around the world with the network and resources to address global issues and scale their businesses.

Investing in sustainability-focused start-ups

Through the Sustainable Impact Capital Programme, we’re investing £500m in sustainability-focused start-ups to accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon economy.

Accelerating innovation in financial services

Though Rise, we’re accelerating innovation in the financial services industry by enabling start-ups and scale-ups to connect and scale.

It all starts with a spark

From building employability skills to championing digital confidence, Barclays is sparking opportunities in communities. Watch some of our programmes in action. 

LifeSkills with The Talent Foundry

Working with The Talent Foundry, young people in schools in underserved communities will receive LifeSkills support at least four times to give them vital confidence, skills and knowledge.

Digital Eagles

We’re enabling people across the UK to be more confident with technology, get the most out of digital banking and stay safe online through Barclays' network of thousands of Digital Eagles.

The Trussell Trust

In partnership with the Trussell Trust, we're supporting people struggling to afford the essentials. Together we’re increasing the number of food banks offering financial inclusion services from 43% to 75% by March 2025.

Couple looking at laptop

Supporting communities with the rising cost of living

Through our partnerships with specialist organisations, we’re providing support to communities across the UK who are struggling with the rising cost of living. 

Supporting people through the pandemic

Through our COVID-19 Community Aid Package, we gave £100m to support more than 370 charity partners, delivering vital relief to communities impacted by the pandemic.

charity partners in action