The new function combines specialist banking expertise with products designed to deliver social, economic and environmental impact for customers.

It supports the bank’s “double bottom line” approach of pursuing both sustainable financial performance and positive impact.

Joshua Meek  has been promoted to chief customer and impact officer to lead the function.

Since joining Unity in 2022, Joshua has helped embed impact measurement across the bank and supported its growth in mission-aligned sectors.

He co-led the bank’s Green Tariff lending and its investment in Local Climate Bonds, and co-created its Money Market Loans proposition.

He said: “At Unity, commercial success and social impact go hand in hand because both are fundamental to our double-bottom-line ambition.

“By bringing our customer and impact teams together, we’re creating a more joined-up experience for customers, giving them access to both expert banking support and deeper insight into the impact they create.

“This will help organisations unlock greater value from their relationship with Unity, supporting their growth ambitions while strengthening the positive outcomes they deliver for people, communities and the environment.”

The restructure has created several new roles, filled through internal promotions and external hires.

Liam Marshall moves from head of product to director of commercial strategy, Leanna McEwan is promoted from relationship director to head of commercial banking services, Sasha Afanasieva joins from Big Issue Invest as head of impact and sustainability management, and Lizzie Colden arrives as director of customer strategy having previously worked as executive director at SUMS Consulting.

Colin Fyfe, chief executive of Unity Trust Bank, said: “This marks an exciting new chapter in Unity’s 42-year history.

“By bringing together customer, commercial and impact expertise, we’re deepening the value we deliver to customers.

“Our vision is to be the bank of choice for all socially-minded organisations and we will continue to support our customers to grow sustainably.

“This also positions Unity strongly to deliver our ambition of doubling the size of the bank and doubling our impact by 2030.”