DEEU Programme
Since 2004, the Development Education Europe (DEE) Programme has supported credit unions and partner organisations across the UK, Ireland, and internationally to grow and transform. Applications for the Class of 2025 are now open – apply here. Full programme details can be found in the brochure here. For further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
To all DE alumni – the programme is also seeking mentors for August 2025. If you’re interested in supporting the next cohort, please contact us at members@abcul.org.
About the Programme
The Credit Union Development Education (DE Europe) training course has been specifically designed to provide individuals with insight into the cooperative principles, the credit union movement philosophy, and international development issues that challenge credit unions today.
This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and play a vital role in the development and sustainability of credit unions across the globe – the credit union movement.
The DE Europe training course is a 6-day residential event held at the Carlton Hotel in Dublin and is facilitated by Marlene Shiels (UK) and Lois Kitsch (USA). You will meet and connect with peers from all parts of the world within the credit union sector, including frontline staff, volunteers, chief executive officers, and directors. This unique experience is filled with an invigorating mixture of group work, individual tasks, influential speakers, and presentations designed to prepare you for the future. Upon completion, you will join an alumni community where you can stay in contact with other credit union peers.
How will your staff benefit?
- Learn new skills to add value to your credit union. This course covers credit union outreach, problem-solving, technical support, teamwork, and public speaking.
- Understand how local and global issues are interconnected and recognise why cooperation is essential for credit unions to thrive.
Learn how the cooperative principles and credit union values help credit unions stay competitive in today’s financial market. - After finishing the course, you’ll become a certified Credit Union Development Educator (DE Europe) and earn a prestigious DE badge, recognised within the Credit Union community.
- Gain access to a network of over 4,500 graduates from Asia, Africa, the Americas, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Philippines.
Who qualifies?
To qualify for this course, you must:
- Be an employee or volunteer of a credit union, trade association, and/or CreditUnion service organisation.
- Be willing to dedicate a reasonable amount of work and personal time to development-related activities of your choosing.
- If attending from overseas, you must have graduated from your home country’s DE course.
- After completing the course, attendees will feel motivated to champion the spirit of the Credit Union movement. Together, we’ll continue advancing the ‘People Helping People’ philosophy for the future of credit unions.
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.
Upcoming Initiatives
Stay informed about our upcoming initiatives designed to further empower credit unions and their communities.
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.
Read MoreSave & 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.
Read MoreGet 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
We seek passionate, driven individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to the credit union movement. Ideal candidates are eager to learn, ready to embrace new challenges, and keen to apply their knowledge within their credit unions.
Holyoake House, Hanover Street,
Manchester M60 0AS
