Bank of Valletta receives ‘Premju Socjeta Gusta’
Bank of Valletta plc has been awarded the Premju Socjeta Gusta in recognition of its work towards strengthening the rights of persons with disabilities.
Bank of Valletta has always embraced diversity and over the years has facilitated the employment of persons with special needs within a number of its units. It currently employs 34 persons with special needs registered with Jobsplus or the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability making it one of Malta's largest, if not the largest, private sector employer of persons with special needs.
The bank also has a purposely established Employee Welfare Committee that assists and supports a number of staff members experiencing both physical as well as mental health issues. Assistance ranges from the granting of additional vacation leave as well as financial assistance. The BOV Group also works very closely with The Richmond Foundation providing professional and confidential assistance to staff members experiencing mental health issues as part of Richmond’s Staff and
Organisation Support programme.
“These achievements would not be possible without the commitment, dedication and support of staff members, affectionately referred to as the BOV family,” said Ray Debattista, executive Human Resources at Bank of Valletta. “Members of this family take it upon themselves to coach and facilitate the integration of employees with special needs posted to their units.”
“A big thank you also goes to BOV staff members who voluntarily donate leave hours as well as financial contributions to the Employee Welfare Accumulating Fund,” continued Debattista. “These funds and leave hours donated by staff and complemented by a generous contribution by the bank assist staff members when in need. These are some of the factors that make Bank of Valletta an employer of choice, and this is evident through a large number of employees that have been in the bank’s employ for numerous years and decades.”
Premju Socjeta Gusta is organised by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities and Active Ageing.