Ailsa Saltrese

HSBC UK has been working with Shelter since 2018. In 2019 we launched our groundbreaking No Fixed Address bank account service which has helped over 6,000 people open a bank account. In 2023 we scaled up our partnership with Shelter to support financial and housing well-being – not only for our customers and communities, but also for our colleagues.

This partnership goes beyond funding frontline services like Shelter’s helpline and housing advice. It’s a two-way collaboration rooted in empathy, education, and action. We are focused on building financial resilience and trying to prevent vulnerable people becoming homeless in the first place.

My connection to Shelter began when I was 11, hearing about its mission from my head teacher. Decades later, I’m proud to be part of a partnership that’s making a real difference.

Empowering through knowledge and volunteering

Shelter has trained HSBC colleagues to better understand financial literacy and housing challenges – especially those affecting vulnerable customers. In return, our teams have offered skills-based volunteering, from People consultancy to digital accessibility audits, helping Shelter strengthen its internal capabilities.

This mutual exchange has deepened our understanding of the real-world struggles people face – and reminded us that vulnerability can affect anyone.

Bringing our partnership to life

In 2024 we launched the Shelter Champions programme: over 100 volunteers across HSBC who not only help to promote volunteering and fundraising opportunities but also engage and educate colleagues and act as allies by helping them navigate financial and housing support. These Champions are not advisors – they’re listeners, connectors, and advocates for change who are helping us to normalise the conversation around housing challenges and bring the Shelter partnership to life.

Creating a culture of openness

We’re working to build a culture where it’s okay to talk about financial stress or housing insecurity. Through initiatives like the Colleague Housing Well-Being campaign and upcoming open forums with Shelter, we’re encouraging honest conversations and making support more approachable.

I can honestly say that in my 30-year career, few roles have been as personally meaningful as being a Shelter Champion at HSBC.