The Cumberland Building Society has been recognised as one of the UK's best workplaces.

Ranking 67th among large employers and 12th in the financial services sector, the annual Best Companies survey applauds the society for supporting the wellbeing of its employees.

This recognition comes from survey results based on frank interviews with employees, with an impressive participation rate of 91 per cent from Cumberland’s workforce.

The survey says of the society: “The organisation believes in ensuring the mental and physical wellbeing of its employees.

“It supports the whole person, no matter their stage of life or career, living the Cumberland’s purpose of kindness and driving engagement.”

The findings praise the society for initiatives like training 17 mental health champions, creating a support group for employees experiencing the menopause, and maintaining an employee assistance programme and an occupational health advisor.

The survey also praises the society’s "fantastic people", living the values of the organisation daily, contributing to making it a highly desirable workspace.

The society has leapt from the 96th spot last year to the 67th this year.

It ranks 46th in the North West and is the highest-placed large building society for the 12th spot in financial services.

The survey results were unveiled at a black-tie event at Battersea Evolution in London, spearheaded by TV host Dan Walker.

Jill Johnston, Chief People Officer at the Cumberland, said the society was “immensely proud” to be recognised by the survey.

She said: “We’re thrilled. To be the highest-ranked large building society is something that the whole Cumberland team can take pride in.

“As a mutual organisation owned by our members, the savers and borrowers, we always strive to do the right thing by customers and colleagues.

“This survey shows that we’re on the right track. We’re not complacent though and we will be striving to do even better next year.”

Best Companies has previously awarded the company two-star status for work place engagement.

Based in Carlisle, it is Cumbria’s largest financial institution with £2.4bn in mortgage lending and savings balances of £2.5bn. It operates 32 branches across Cumbria, Lancashire, Northumberland and southwest Scotland.