Atom bank and Durham University agree partnership

Atom bank, the UK’s first app-based bank and Durham University have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an agreement that will build on significant recent collaboration between the two organisations.

The MoU creates a framework for developing key areas and initiatives, such as data science, risk analysis, developing people and creating learning opportunities, as well as a focus on sustainable communities and protecting the environment. The signing took place at Durham University and was followed by a panel discussion on key opportunities for growth in the region.

Under the agreement, Atom and Durham University will carry out collaborative research that addresses longer term opportunities and challenges facing both organisations and wider society, such as climate change.

The pair will also support career development, with Atom providing mentoring, placements and internships for Durham students and postgraduates. This will also involve co-developing a programme for boosting participation in Higher Education amongst students from under-represented communities.

Atom and Durham University have a strong history of partnering together. They have collaborated on a number of key initiatives, including Northern Power Diversity Matters, a £1m+ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in STEM initiative, which created a toolkit for employers and academia.

The North East has one of the highest levels of youth unemployment in the UK, and far more needs to be done to provide opportunities in the region, particularly within STEM subjects. The agreement means both Atom and Durham University can build on the initiatives they’ve introduced and continue to address the critical skills gap, promoting underrepresented groups within the Finance and Technology industries.

Edward Twiddy, chief customer officer at Atom, said: “Atom and the University have a proud history of collaboration, so we are excited about what the future holds following this agreement. We’re a national brand proudly based in Durham, and we strive to champion the North East as a wonderful place to live, learn and work.

“Alongside the many projects that we have developed and supported together, our close relationship has already resulted in many talented individuals joining the Atom team. We expect this number to grow as we offer even more mentoring, internship and employment opportunities to Durham’s excellent students.”

Professor Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor, Durham University, said: “Our partnership with Atom demonstrates how businesses and organisations in the North East can make the most of what Durham University has to offer, from our student and graduate talent, our academic knowledge and teaching, and our excellent research, technologies and facilities.

“Having Atom become more involved in our University community directly supports the important work we do to help our students on their path to success and provides valuable inputs to our academic research and knowledge exchange programmes. We have a wide range of work being planned and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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