Association of British Credit Unions

📢 We’re Hiring: CEO Vacancy at ABCUL! 📢 We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for a visionary and dynamic leader to join ABCUL as our next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As we continue to grow and evolve, we’re looking for a strategic and innovative leader who can drive our mission forward, inspire our team, and shape the future of the credit union sector. We expect; - A strong leader with an ethical, collaborative and authentic approach to the role whilst driving a positive business culture and setting the tone by leading by example. - Strong stakeholder management, lobbying and influencing skills. - An ability to ensure that the business has the right resources and structure to deliver against its’ vision and plans. - Service delivery to our members is of a high quality and fits with our member needs. - Clear and detailed practice plans and risk strategies to ensure our business is protected. If you’re interested in the role, please visit our website page - (https://lnkd.in/ge23y3NV) - for further details and how to apply. 

✨ 2024: A Year of Progress and Milestones for Credit Unions ✨ As the year draws to a close, ABCUL CEO Robert Kelly reflects on a remarkable year for the British credit union sector and ABCUL. From achieving record-high savings of £2.34 billion—a 19% growth—to launching innovative initiatives like our new website and the Community Development Credit Union project in Liverpool, it’s been a year of progress and impact. 💻 A New Digital Era Our revamped website is making it easier than ever for members to connect and access resources. 🤝 Unwavering Community Spirit This year’s ABCUL annual conference brought together over 250 attendees, showcasing the strength and cooperative spirit of our movement. 🌍 Driving Inclusion and Prosperity With groundbreaking projects and partnerships, credit unions continue to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and promote financial inclusion. As we look forward to 2025, we remain committed to deepening our impact, working alongside the new Labour government to support financial resilience, and celebrating the International Year of Cooperatives. 📢 Read Robert’s reflections and insights into what’s next for our sector: https://lnkd.in/eDfS2UPk #CreditUnions #FinancialInclusion #ABCUL2024 #CooperativeMovement

📢 We're pleased to feature in Financial Times, highlighting our push for targeted reforms to credit union common bond legislation as outlined in recent Government announcements. 💡 Key Challenges While the common bond is foundational to the credit union sector, its current structure poses challenges, especially around: - The £3m potential member cap for locality common bonds - Complexities in occupational-based common bonds and restrictive household membership criteria. 🔑 Our Proposals - An increase in the locality common bond cap to enable growth and streamline mergers. - Adjustments to household eligibility criteria for greater inclusivity while maintaining safeguards. - Simplified processes for amending common bonds and completing transfers of engagements. ⚖️ Balancing Tradition and Progress - We remain committed to preserving the common bond's integrity while advocating for thoughtful, data-driven reforms that foster growth, sustainability, and inclusivity. 📖 Read the full feature in the Financial Times to learn more about our advocacy - https://lnkd.in/eZHMMn8d

We’re Hiring: CEO Vacancy at ABCUL! After a process of expressions of interest, we are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at ABCUL. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary and dynamic leader to shape the future of the credit union sector, drive our mission forward, and inspire our team as we continue to grow and evolve. We’re seeking a CEO who embodies: - Ethical and authentic leadership with a collaborative approach, fostering a positive business culture. - Exceptional stakeholder management and the ability to lobby and influence effectively. - Strategic oversight to ensure the organization has the right resources and structure to achieve its vision. - High-quality service delivery aligned with the needs of our members. - Strong risk management through clear and detailed plans to protect the business. Interested in leading ABCUL into its next chapter? Visit (https://lnkd.in/ge23y3NV) for further details and to apply. Closing date is Friday 10 January 2025. The assessment process will commence on Thursday 06 February 2025. Join us in shaping the future of the credit union sector!

🌟 Introducing the ABCUL Member Sentiment Awards! 🌟 In partnership with Performance Metrics Ltd, we're thrilled to launch this first-of-its-kind initiative, celebrating the incredible commitment of credit unions to Consumer Duty standards. 🏆 This is the sector's opportunity to showcase the values, behaviors, and standards that make your credit union a pillar of your community. Independent, anonymous member feedback will drive these awards, highlighting the member-first culture that sets credit unions apart. The credit union with the best member sentiment score will be given a contribution of up to £1,500 to send a staff member to join ABCUL at a prestigious international credit union conference event later in 2025. 📅 Key Dates to Remember: - 02 Dec 2024: Member Sentiment Survey launches! - 15 Feb 2025: Survey submissions close. - 15 Mar 2025: Awards ceremony at the ABCUL AGM. Let’s celebrate the dedication credit unions bring to financial well-being. Get ready to participate and shine a spotlight on your amazing community! 🌍 #ABCUL #MemberSentimentAwards #CreditUnionPride #ConsumerDuty https://lnkd.in/echUFmcP

ABCUL is delighted with the Chancellors proposals, which marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the cooperative and mutual sector across the country. Credit unions are founded on the ethos of people helping people and reform of the credit union common bond will provide a great opportunity to enhance the role of our sector in so many different ways. ABCUL and the British sector have strong ambitions to grow beyond its current capacity and this call for evidence will be transformational to the movement across the country.

ABCUL has been encouraged with early dialogue with new Government officials in conversations to deliver growth that benefits communities, society, and the country. The Association looks forward to learning how our key asks to government will be implemented to advance the pivotal role the sector can play in the years ahead. https://lnkd.in/dZsnjb9t

Credit unions across the country have participated in the Talk Money Week campaign, by raising awareness of the support they provide for its communities. There have been many examples of initiatives launched to support those who might be feeling the burden of a squeeze on their finances. We've rounded up some examples on our website from ABCUL member credit unions such as: At Bradford District Credit Union (BDCU), Community Development Officer, Ian Brewer spoke to BBC news about the credit union working with Bradford’s major institutions to promote responsible saving and money management. Commsave Credit Union has this week launched a financial education app offering important money management tips. London Mutual Credit Union is encouraging members to use its new self-service tool, "the better off calculator", designed to help people get a clearer picture of their finances. The calculator asks for details like income, spending, and debts, and helps show where changes might improve a members’ situation. #TalkMoneyWeek #DoOneThing

ABCUL has announced that its CEO, Robert Kelly will be stepping down from his role in the new year. During his 14-year tenure as Board Member, President and CEO, Robert has been instrumental in driving ABCUL’s vision and played a pivotal role in shaping the sector’s recent successes. Commenting on behalf of the Association, President Paul Norgrove, I-CUDE said: “Robert has been instrumental in shaping the vision and strategy of ABCUL for the past six years and it has been an honour to work alongside. “We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition period for Robert’s succession and would like to reassure all ongoing projects and relationships remain in place throughout the weeks and months ahead.” https://lnkd.in/eewF4cJ5

For our final session of the day, Anne Orr from Boards123 presents to the Network about how to lead when you are not yet a leader. During this session, our young professionals are learning how to identify and key leadership skills and behaviours that will improve their career path in the sector.