Aiken PR

Northern Ireland’s local mortgage and savings provider Progressive Building Society has renewed its JAM Card partnership ensuring all 11 branches will continue to offer people with hidden disabilities an added minute of patience.

A continuation of its 2019 pledge to members with a communication barrier or vulnerability, Progressive remains the only JAM Card–friendly building society.

The JAM Card eLearning Awareness training is offered to all Progressive staff to provide best practice in customer service either in branch or over the phone for people with communication barriers.

Developed by NOW Group, the ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Card allows people with a learning difficulty, autism, or communication barrier to let others know in a discreet, non–verbal way that they need a minute of patience in a given situation, be it on public transport or while availing of a service.

The JAM Card is available as a physical card or as an app and will continue to be promoted throughout Progressive’s local branch network. There are now over 122,000 registered JAM Card holders across Northern Ireland.

Kerry MacDougall, Manager of Progressive’s Belfast branch, welcomed the JAM partnership renewal as part of the Society’s ongoing commitment to its members.

“At Progressive, it’s important to us that all our members, regardless of their ability, feel welcome and comfortable in our branches and over the phone.

“We understand it can be quite stressful to communicate a hidden vulnerability. However, as a JAM friendly organisation, our staff can quickly identify and provide added care and support to anyone who requires a little more time when going about their business.

“We are actively involved in supporting communities in towns and cities across Northern Ireland, and the JAM Card is a fantastic initiative which complements our ongoing partnership with Disability Sport NI which works to improve the health and wellbeing of disabled people through sport.”

Nicola Tipping, Business Development Manager at NOW Group, added:

“We are delighted to announce the Progressive Building Society is now a JAM Card Partner and look forward to supporting them on their inclusion and diversity strategy. This will include rolling out JAM Card training to all staff members, enabling the Progressive team to deliver an inclusive and supportive environment for all customers and employees, including those with additional needs, and deliver the highest level of customer service. 

“Progressive is the first Building Society to partner with JAM Card and we look forward to supporting them on their journey through tailored JAM Card training. I would encourage all businesses to follow in Progressive’s example to ensure their organisation is accessible to all.”