Royal Bank of Scotland’s frontline colleagues in local branches and offices will be nominating good causes that they have chosen from their communities, to save charities from finding time to nominate themselves, or individuals on their behalf.

The fund is part of a £1 million fund announced by the NatWest Group, which will be distributed by the bank’s boards across the UK, and forms part of a wider £5.7 million commitment to provide cost of living support across the country through partner organisations including the Federation of Small Business, the Trussell Trust, and Responsible Finance.

Over the last year, NatWest Group has provided £40m cost of living support to its personal customers and community partners and this latest fund reaffirms its commitment to help people, families, and businesses with the rising cost of living.

Judith Cruickshank, RBS’ Scotland chair, said: “This local funding is a real opportunity for us to tailor the support we provide to Scottish charities and organisations who are delivering vital support to our communities.

“Our colleagues across the country will be shaping how the money is donated, nominating the good causes that are making a difference in their towns and villages.”

Raghu Narula, NatWest Group’s managing director of customer engagement & distribution, said: “We are a bank driven by our purpose and values and right now that is to help our colleagues, customers and the communities they live in through the challenges faced with cost of living.

“The funding we are providing directly to our boards across the UK means that we are targeting support on a local level where it can have maximum impact.”