BECU is a financial cooperative and the fourth-largest credit union in the U.S. with over 60 locations.
What is BECU addressing, and what actions are being taken?
BECU seeks to prevent human trafficking, connect victims with support services, and foster a safe and trauma-informed workplace.
BECU partners with BEST to develop and implement a multiprong strategy:
- Equip managers to employ trauma-informed approaches.
- Institute counter-trafficking protocols.
- Train staff to recognize and report indicators of labor and sex trafficking.
- Display signs addressed to victims in multiple languages with the message “You Are Not Alone.”
“The relationship that has been formed with BEST has been nothing short of astounding. Being able to see firsthand the work that the organization does and the impact it has is incredible. Partnering with such a talented group that fosters a focus on ‘people helping people’ will have a lasting influence on me not just professionally—but personally as well.”
—Mitchell Mondala
Senior Investigator for BECU’s BSA & Fraud Operations, Complex Investigations Unit
How does BECU use BEST’s services to prevent human trafficking?
BECU leadership uses BEST’s consultation services to advise multiprong strategy, response protocols, and internal communications about human trafficking.
Current and aspiring BECU people managers receive BEST’s Stress, Trauma, and Resilience training to help BECU cultivate a trauma-informed workplace.
Potential victims who visit BECU locations are informed about the National Human Trafficking Hotline via “Not Alone” awareness-raising posters provided by BEST.
BECU staff are trained via the BEST Basics course to identify behavioral indicators of labor and sex trafficking and report potential instances of human trafficking in alignment with BECU’s policies and emergency response protocols.
Results to Date
Through partnership with BEST, BECU has established itself as a precedent-setting leader for countering human trafficking in the financial industry. BECU leaders proactively deploy a coherent strategy and protocols across its locations. People managers and others are equipped to employ trauma-informed approaches in their work, and staff receive training on how to recognize and respond to potential human trafficking situations.
These efforts contribute positively to employees’ morale and safety at work and members’ sense of safety when doing business with BECU.
