Social investment expert joins Triodos

David Carrington, a member of the social investment task force, has used his appointment to the supervisory board of Triodos Bank to condemn the social and financial impact of mainstream banks.

Carrington, who is a leading independent consultant working on the funding and governance of charities and social enterprises, said he will use his appointment to argue that there is a ‘sustainable alternative to mainstream banking'.

He said: ‘After the exposure in recent months of the irresponsible social, financial and governance practices of so many financial institutions, Triodos Bank has an important role to play. As a crisis resistant, growing organisation it is in a unique position to demonstrate that that is a sustainable alternative.'

Charles Middleton, Triodos Bank's UK managing director. "David brings valuable experience at an exciting time of growth for the bank. His expertise in the voluntary sector is a welcome addition to the supervisory board.'

Meanwhile, earlier this month Triodos was named overall winner of the Financial Times sustainable bank awards, which is co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation, the investment arm of the World Bank.

Lionel Barber, editor of the Financial Times, said: ‘These Awards recognise the responsibility institutions have in providing solutions to the world's most pressing issues and how they are meeting those objectives in a financially viable way.'

Elsewhere, MicroEnsure, a UK-based ethical insurance company working in the developing world, was named winner in a category for basic needs financing.