NatWest has announced a significant expansion of its Financial Foundations programme, with plans to reach 50,000 people across the UK in 2026 through free, in-person financial education sessions delivered in workplaces and community settings.
The programme, which works with employers, councils, social enterprises, and community organisations, is designed to improve financial capability and confidence by taking NatWest colleagues’ expertise directly into the places where people live and work. Sessions cover practical topics including budgeting, borrowing basics, managing debt, savings strategies, planning for unexpected costs, and protection against fraud and scams.
The expansion follows a pilot launched in late 2024 across the north of England. In 2025, the programme delivered more than 1,500 workshops to approximately 800 businesses and community groups, reaching around 32,000 people. NatWest said demand from employers and local organisations accelerated rapidly after the initial rollout.
Solange Chamberlain, chief executive of retail banking at NatWest, said: “Financial capability and confidence is a vital but often underestimated part of our economic infrastructure — helping people build financial resilience and plan for their future — strengthening communities from the inside out.
“For over 30 years, NatWest has been committed to improving financial education through partnerships with schools and youth clubs. Our Financial Foundations programme is an opportunity to build on this and reach more young adults and families. That’s why we’re expanding this innovative programme in 2026 — to take more of our colleagues’ expertise into the communities we serve — bringing valuable benefits to both employers and the individuals.”
The programme has worked with a broad mix of public and private sector organisations, including large corporates such as Vodafone, local authorities including Enfield Council, social enterprises, and housing providers. NatWest has also partnered with social housing landlords such as West Granton Housing Cooperative to deliver sessions directly to tenants.
Malcolm Buchanan, chair of the NatWest North Regional Board, said the programme originated from conversations with corporate clients whose employees were struggling with financial pressures. “Our colleagues would host workshops on areas ranging from debt management to the risks of fraud and scams. The aim was to help start conversations about financial issues and give people impartial advice,” he said.
Government ministers have welcomed private sector involvement in financial education alongside recent policy changes. Lucy Rigby KC MP, economic secretary to the Treasury, said: “Having a full understanding as to how best to save, budget and protect yourself from fraud are key to building financial health. Making financial education compulsory in primary schools will be a game changer in helping the next generation learn these vital skills, and NatWest’s campaign builds on that by boosting people’s confidence to manage their money.”
NatWest estimates the expanded programme will reach the equivalent of around 1,000 people a week during 2026. According to the bank, 88% of participants report feeling more confident about managing their money after attending a workshop.
The announcement forms part of NatWest’s new five-point Growing Together plan, which outlines how the bank aims to support UK-wide growth by backing regional economies, mid-market businesses, infrastructure and housing, financial confidence among families and young people, and innovation across the economy.
Financial Foundations workshops are free and open to all UK businesses and community groups. To find out more or request a workshop please contact financial.foundations@natwest.com.
