Most of us choose our banks or building societies for reasons of convenience – simply because there's a branch around the corner or because you have a family history with the organisation.

However, as a customer, you have the right to make judgements about the ways your bank behaves and conducts business. The ethical policies of UK banks and building societies vary - generally they have a fairly good record in extending equal opportunities to employees, but the big banks face criticism for their lending policies in the third world, and sometimes for their attitudes to customers at home too.

The Co-op has a strong reputation as a high street bank with a sound ethical stance. One of Europe's leading ethical banks is Triodos, which now offers savings accounts to customers in the UK while the Ecology Building Society also offers a range of saving accounts and ISAs. For more information go to the EIRIS website or follow the links below.

You may wish to consider joining a Credit Union, a cooperative financial institution that is non-for-profit,  owned and controlled by its members. Credit Unions offer many, if not all of the services a bank will offer. A local ethical cooperative.