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On Friday 25th June we had our second ‘self-care’ day, when we closed our virtual and physical offices for the day. It was a great chance for our colleagues to take some time away from their screens and recharge. Some of our colleagues spent their day off by enjoying the great outdoors, spa treatments, baking, retail therapy and theme parks. Click the link to see what we got up to.
Today we publish a report on the urgent need for ‘buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) regulation. We’ve done extensive in-depth profiling of typical users of BNPL products, such as those offered by Klarna, Clearpay and Laybuy, and contrary to stereotypes it’s not just young fashion-conscious women who use BNPL products. We’re calling for regulation to ensure firms are more transparent about the risks of using their services and provide upfront information about late fees and what consumers can expect if they miss a payment. https://lnkd.in/e42BZPe
Our new Which? Investigates podcast hit the #1 spot in the UK Apple Podcasts Documentary Chart last weekend. The latest episode 3, in our sustainability series featuring Greg Foot, asks whether switching to an electric car really is greener. Episode 2: does your phone come with an expiry date? Episode 1: is plastic packaging always bad? Find out more and subscribe https://lnkd.in/eErFcZv
Introducing Joseph Willoughby-Rainsford, who has been with Which? for five years in a variety of roles and even relocated to Bristol to join the pilot for live chat in our legal services team. Most recently Joey became a researcher/writer in our product testing team, which covers a diverse range of products, from washing machines and child car seats to milk frothers. The testing team often ask members for the products they want reviews on – for example, the recent review of chef's knives was based on feedback from our Facebook Members’ Group around the specific type of knife they would find most useful.
As part of Pride month, we spoke with some colleagues to find out how they have been impacted by events of the last year. Aaron West, senior researcher/writer, said: ‘Lockdown as a queer person has had its ups and downs. I moved back home to my parents during the first and third lockdown, and, while I am out to my family, it still wasn’t always plain sailing. I have become much more interested in social justice, and this often led to disagreements where I had to explain issues and defend my position. But looking back there have been positives – I feel closer and better understood by my family.' Charley Gettings (They/Them), paralegal, said: ‘Being in lockdown extended further than the physical for me. I felt like I wasn’t just trapped in my house but in my head. 'I've identified as a queer, non-binary individual for coming on six years now, but during those first few months of lockdown, being left alone with my thoughts I truly questioned who I was. It was a surprise, because I thought I’d already worked through this. I was lucky enough to find an inclusive and supportive communit
We’re delighted to welcome Kat Chinnock, who recently joined Which? as head of brand and strategic communications. Kat's previous experience includes 20 years in brand and marketing with an emphasis on financial services, where she’s led diverse projects – from rebranding Lloyds Bank into Japanese to setting up a new marketing function at Metro Bank. Her role at Which? is about developing our brand and overarching communications strategy, as well as the accompanying operating model to help us deliver against it. And she has ambitious plans. 'Since I’ve joined, I’ve found the organisation so refreshing and modern in its thinking. People are smart, friendly and up for collaborating on positive change. There’s definitely a lot of energy and ambition coming through but also genuine care to do the right thing, from the top down.'
The government set out its ambition for at least 85% of the UK to have access to gigabit-capable broadband connections by 2025 and last year asked Which?, alongside the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), to convene the Gigabit Take-up Advisory Group (GigaTAG) to look at the consumer and business barriers to adopting gigabit-capable connections and what solutions might be needed to help them overcome these. Today the GigaTAG has published a number of recommendations to help ensure that people are aware of these connections and are ready to take advantage of them as they become available. https://lnkd.in/ezM37hW
This Pride month, we have been involved in the Allyship in Action challenge, a month of video-sharing to grow our understanding of allyship, inside and outside of the organisation. Conor Bannister, our L&D Adviser, shares why this is important at Which?: 'The Allyship in Action challenge promotes insight into the experiences of others. Increasing our awareness of our privileges and our exposure to new perspectives is at the heart of this shift. This challenge helps us to take ownership of our development by consuming a bitesize piece of content each day of the month. I hope this can develop more of a learning culture at W? so that we can grow as people day-by-day.'
During Mental Health Awareness Week, colleagues across Which? took part in a #ConnectWithNature challenge each day - from sharing photos and creative challenges to spending time listening and watching the nature around their homes. Kirstie Addis and Lynsey Taylor won a Which? Best Buy, Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder for their photos and here's a couple we wanted to share.
Catherine W. (Waton), Which?’s head of risk, governance and regulatory compliance, started her maternity leave on 12 March 2020, just a few days before everyone was sent home from the office because of the pandemic. ‘I’d describe my maternity leave as an emotional rollercoaster! I went into hospital in labour by myself, didn’t have the support of friends and family in those early sleepless weeks, and the girls and I missed out on the baby social scene. On the upside we’ve spent a lot of time outdoors enjoying nature, found new ways to use technology to build better relationships with family and friends and keep them up to date.’
