Must I feel like the devil for working in finance?

Q I was wondering if you had any tips on "ethical" careers in the finance/banking sector based in London. The only places I seem to be able to find are investment funds run by larger, less ethical companies.

Perhaps no such thing exists, but I am curious to find out if there's a way to stay in the industry without feeling like the devil every day.

NK

A I respect you for putting your conscience before cash. There are at least two banks that you could work for "without feeling like the devil every day": the Co-operative bank and Triodos.

The Co-operative bank does not do business with arms manufacturers. It employs over 4,000 staff, working across a number of functions and although customer services is the largest department, there are also opportunities in other areas, including business strategy, corporate banking, financial advice, financial and management accounting, human resources and risk management. The bank's ethical policy was introduced in 1992 to set out precisely what ethical standards would govern the types of businesses the bank would and would not offer services to. The policy was based on the concerns of its customers, on the basis that it is generally their money that is being used, and they should have a say in how it is invested. The bank continues to be the only high-street bank that gives customers a say in how their money is used and encourages their input into the ongoing development of its ethical policy. At present it will not invest in companies which makes weapons or equipment that kill or maim, or sells them to oppressive regimes.

If you are prepared to move from London, the Bristol-based Triodos is another organisation with ethics at its heart. Triodos only works with socially conscious organisations that benefit people and the environment, from recycling initiatives to fairtrade businesses. The bank aims to help achieve a more decent, dignified and kinder world that respects people, the environment and different cultures. This social, ethical and financial approach is expressed in the Triodos name itself, which comes from the Greek words "tri hodos", meaning "three-way approach". Visit its website to check out current vacancies.

Away from the banking sector but still capitalising on your financial expertise you might want to consider working in the finance department of a charity. There are around 185,000 charities listed on the Charity Commission's register, employing almost 563,000 people, full- and part-time, plus a further three million unpaid volunteers. Rates of pay vary widely, depending on the size of the charity, but senior positions with large charitable organisations can attract salaries from £35,000 to £55,000.

CF Appointments is the longest established recruitment consultancy specialising in the non-profit sector. Charity People and Charity Careers are other specialist recruitment agencies you could try.

For more advice on finding a job that allows you a clear conscience, you could have a look at the Ethical Careers Guide by Gideon Burrows. It covers everything from working in international development and charities, to careers in corporate social responsibility or starting your own ethical business.