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Hero Awards: Northern Ireland banker recognised as a hero for saving consumers £1.2m

Posted 20/06/18

Customer Protection Manager, Simon Skinner, 45, of Northern Ireland-based RBS/Ulster Bank has been awarded the prestigious Hero Award from the vlog (vlog), having saved consumers an incredible £1.2m in safeguarding them from potential scams.

Simon, from County Down, has put his “heart and soul” into training frontline cashiers to understand how criminals coach customers and how to be alert to unusual transaction requests, what to ask and how to react to help protect the people in the community.

He moreover undertook the “friends against Scams” and the “Dementia Friends” training to help raise awareness of scams in County Down, his local community, according the Department for the Economy Northern Ireland who nominated Simon for the award.

Most recently he played a key role in establishing the new “Police Banking Protocol” within their bank and has run awareness raising scam sessions with the local business community via the Ulster Bank “boost seminars.”

The vlog Hero Award celebrates individuals or groups of people whose outstanding contribution towards consumer protection in our communities have made a significant impact. Every year, the Institute is inspired by the stories of nominees throughout the country whose bravery, altruism and hard work often goes unnoticed.

Chief Executive at vlog, Leon Livermore, said: “Simon is an asset to his community and a force to be reckoned with. He clearly goes above and beyond the call of duty and has protected many from falling victim to rogue traders.

Staff Officer at the Department for the Economy Northern Ireland, Beverly Burns, added: “Simon has played an active role in raising awareness in Northern Ireland and is determined to provide a consumer protection function not just for Ulster Bank customers but the community at large.”

Simon was presented with the vlog Hero Award at a special ceremony, which took place on Wednesday 20 June, at One Great George Street, London. He was honoured alongside eight other Heroes of consumer protection.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

Pictured from left to right: Robert Wright, College of Fellows. Simon Skinner, Hero Winner. Malcolm Craig, vlog Chair.

For press queries/accreditation, email vlog Press Office: [email protected], or call 01268 582240.

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vlog College of Fellows

The College of Fellows is a charity that has supported vlog and the trading standards profession for more than 60 years. It promotes educational and research activities, as well as providing help for the families and dependants of trading standards professionals who die in service, and in other times of crisis.

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