Building Brighter Futures

with Credit Union Foundation

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Our Mission

The Credit Union Foundation is dedicated to empowering communities, advancing education, and making strategic investments. Our mission is to strengthen credit unions and promote their role in providing financial services to diverse communities across the UK.

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Community

We are committed to fostering a strong sense of community through our support for credit unions, enabling them to serve as cornerstones of local financial health.

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Education

Our foundation prioritises education, offering resources and training to credit union staff and volunteers, enhancing their ability to serve members effectively.

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Investments

Strategic investments in credit unions help us achieve our mission, ensuring their resilience and capacity to serve more members.

Our Mission

The Credit Union Foundation is dedicated to empowering communities, advancing education, and making strategic investments. Our mission is to strengthen credit unions and promote their role in providing financial services to diverse communities across the UK.

digital art people sat at a computer
people stood up icon
Community

We are committed to fostering a strong sense of community through our support for credit unions, enabling them to serve as cornerstones of local financial health.

school hat icon
Education

Our foundation prioritises education, offering resources and training to credit union staff and volunteers, enhancing their ability to serve members effectively.

piggy bank icon
Investments

Strategic investments in credit unions help us achieve our mission, ensuring their resilience and capacity to serve more members.

Get Involved

Learn More With Us

Reach out to us and learn more about the credit union sector. Our team is eager to share knowledge and initiatives about how credit unions empower communities, support individual growth, and foster financial literacy

About Us

Discover more about our dedication to strengthening the UK’s credit union movement. Our efforts focus on community development, educational initiatives, and strategic investments, all aimed at supporting the growth and sustainability of credit unions.

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Make a Donation Now

Support our mission by donating today. Your contributions help us extend our impact through various initiatives and support for credit unions across the UK.

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Upcoming Initiatives

Stay informed about our upcoming initiatives designed to further empower credit unions and their communities.

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CU Futures

CU Futures is a dynamic initiative focused on nurturing the next generation of credit union leaders. Through targeted education and development programs, we are investing in the future of the credit union movement.

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DEEU

The Development Educator EU (DEEU) program aims to enhance credit union operations across Europe. This initiative focuses on providing extensive training and resources, fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation within the credit union sector.

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Save & Sound

Save and Sound is a heritage project by the Credit Union Foundation, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It aims to preserve the early history of credit unions in Britain through oral history interviews, a new website, events, courses, podcasts, and a toolkit to replicate the work in other regions.

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Our Trustees

Hear from our trustees about the blend of leadership training and practical experience they received in our program.

Chris Kerrigan
Chris Kerrigan

Marketing Manager,

Serve and Protect Credit Union

Jon sykes
Jon Sykes

Business Development Officer,

Serve and Protect Credit Union

mark brazendale
Mark Brazendale

(DEEU,CeMAP) Chief Executive Officer,

Salford Credit Union

“I am really grateful for the insights and knowledge I gained through the DEEU course. The programme motivated me to drive positive changes within my credit union and allowed me to connect with so many people in the sector. I highly recommend the course to anyone, no matter your role or how long you’ve been in the sector!”

Chris Kerrigan
Chris Kerrigan

Marketing Manager,

Serve and Protect Credit Union

“I had the privilege of attending the DEEU course in Edinburgh during September 2023.  I can honestly say without a shadow of doubt that this was a brilliant experience and whilst I would not want to spoil the surprises in store for future attendees, I totally ‘Trust this process’.  The facilitation is excellent, and it was a great opportunity to develop ideas with like-minded Credit Union professionals from all levels, be it staff member or volunteer.  I cannot recommend this course enough and it sets you up to succeed”

Jon sykes
Jon Sykes

Business Development Officer,

Serve and Protect Credit Union

“I had worked in a Credit Union for several years when I was asked to attend a DEEU programme in 2016 by the CEO. I did not want to spend 5 days away from family especially over the weekend so fought to avoid going on this however, the CEO advised that a bursary had been obtained for me to go and this really couldn’t be passed up. Reluctantly I agreed to attend. I arrived on the first day full of dread and not looking forward to it but have to say I found it to be a very worthwhile experience. I learnt a lot about the Credit Union movement and obtained a greater understanding of Credit Unions and what we are here for. I also made some great friends/contacts that I still speak to whenever I have a question or challenge that I have been tasked with. As always Credit Union employees are keen to help. “

mark brazendale
Mark Brazendale

(DEEU,CeMAP) Chief Executive Officer,

Salford Credit Union

Case Studies

Explore our case studies to see the real-world impact of our work:

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New Case Study Coming Soon
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New Case Study Coming Soon
Read More
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New Case Study Coming Soon
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Friends of the Credit Union Foundation
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What Our Members Say

Hear from our members about the difference Credit Union Foundation has made in their lives and communities.

“Prior to completing the CU Futures programme I knew but a small handful of people within the sector, but knew next to nothing about other credit unions. Following the programme this all changed. I now had a group of people from all sizes of credit unions and roles to reach out to, had the confidence to attend events knowing I would find a familiar face. Since this experience I have gone onto speak at forums and events, host webinars and sessions, contribute at conferences, gain promotion within my credit union and chair the Young Professionals Committee.”

Luke McGilvray

CU Futures

“I am really grateful for the insights and knowledge I gained through the DEEU course. The programme motivated me to drive positive changes within my credit union and allowed me to connect with so many people in the sector. I highly recommend the course to anyone, no matter your role or how long you’ve been in the sector!”

Chris Kerrigan

Marketing Manager,

Serve and Protect Credit Union

“I had the privilege of attending the DEEU course in Edinburgh during September 2023.  I can honestly say without a shadow of doubt that this was a brilliant experience and whilst I would not want to spoil the surprises in store for future attendees, I totally ‘Trust this process’.  The facilitation is excellent, and it was a great opportunity to develop ideas with like-minded Credit Union professionals from all levels, be it staff member or volunteer.  I cannot recommend this course enough and it sets you up to succeed”

Jon Sykes

Business Development Officer,

Serve and Protect Credit Union

“I had worked in a Credit Union for several years when I was asked to attend a DEEU programme in 2016 by the CEO. I did not want to spend 5 days away from family, but reluctantly I agreed to attend. I arrived not looking forward to it but have to say I found it to be a very worthwhile experience. I learnt a lot about the Credit Union movement and obtained a greater understanding of what we are here for. I also made great friends/contacts that I still speak to whenever I have a question. As always Credit Union employees are keen to help. “

Mark Brazendale

(DEEU,CeMAP) Chief Executive Officer,

Salford Credit Union

Get in Touch

Connect with us to learn more about our work or how you can get involved. Our team is eager to engage with individuals and organisations committed to the credit union cause.

Contact Info

Have questions or need more information? Our friendly team is here to help. Reach out to us via email or call us directly. Stay connected with the latest updates by visiting our website. We’re committed to supporting your journey with the Credit Union Foundation.

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Holyoake House, Hanover Street,
Manchester M60 0AS

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