Expanding Financial Education in Scotland with Scottish Friendly
Corporate partnerships are key to making our work possible. They provide essential funding and expertise that help train teachers, provide lesson plans and activities to schools, and improve how we support children no matter where they live or how they learn.
In this Q&A, Jill Mackay, Head of Marketing and Digital CX, shares why Scottish Friendly are passionate about financial education and the impact we hope to make together.
What inspired you to partner with Just Finance Foundation to support financial education in primary schools?
At Scottish Friendly, we believe that confidence with money is a fundamental life skill - and one that’s best nurtured early. What inspired us most was the opportunity to help support Just Finance Foundation in making a meaningful difference at the very beginning of that journey. We know that many of the financial challenges people face as adults stem from a lack of early understanding or limited access to quality financial education. Just Finance Foundation’s work helps to address that gap directly, delivering engaging learning experiences in primary schools that help children develop positive attitudes and behaviours around money from a young age. That preventative, long‑term approach strongly resonated with us.
How does the partnership reflect Scottish Friendly’s wider purpose and values?
Our purpose at Scottish Friendly is dedicated to helping individuals and their families achieve financial wellbeing, and that commitment extends beyond the products and services we offer. As a mutual organisation, we’re guided by fairness, responsibility and a long-term perspective. Supporting financial education in schools reflects our belief in inclusion and opportunity; ensuring that children, regardless of background, have the strongest possible foundations for their financial futures.
What particularly stood out about working with Just Finance Foundation?
What stood out most was Just Finance Foundation’s unwavering focus on impact and quality. Their programmes are thoughtfully designed, evidence‑informed and genuinely engaging for both pupils and teachers. We were also impressed by the passion and expertise of the team. There’s a strong sense of purpose behind everything they do, and a genuine commitment to collaboration. From the outset, this has felt like a true partnership - not only aligned in values but united in our ambition to create lasting change.
What difference are you hoping working together will make for children in Scotland over the longer term?
We hope this partnership will help children across Scotland grow up feeling more confident, capable and informed when it comes to money. By introducing financial concepts early, children can learn money basics and reduce the anxiety that so often surrounds it later in life. Ultimately, our ambition is to support greater financial resilience and improved life outcomes. If children leave school better equipped to make informed financial decisions, the positive impact can extend far beyond the individual - strengthening families and communities across Scotland.
How have Scottish Friendly employees responded to the partnership so far?
The response from our colleagues has been incredibly positive. Many feel a personal connection to the cause, whether as parents, carers or individuals who understand the importance of financial education. There’s a real sense of pride in being part of an organisation that is taking meaningful action to support future generations. Our employees are enthusiastic about our partnership with Just Finance Foundation, and the difference it will make for young people, which has been fantastic to see.