Great Western Credit Union (GWCU), is a mission-led financial services co-operative, dedicated to making people and neighbourhoods across the Southwest better off. We offer products and services which make borrowing and saving easy, fair, and affordable for everyone. We support those that are traditionally underserved by the mainstream financial markets and badly served by others. By putting their money with us, our savers contribute to the wellbeing of their community.

Our geographical membership area covers the City of Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset, and most of Somerset, making us one of the largest community credit unions in the country. In fact, we are the largest member owned co-operative in the Southwest of England. We are fully regulated and a member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (which protects member deposits).

It is an exciting time to be part of the Great Western Credit Union and we are on the lookout for an additional non-executive Director to join our Board

The Board of Directors provide strategic direction and oversight of the organisation, to support the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, who have the mandate to use the credit union’s solid foundations to drive an ambitious growth agenda.

You do not need to be an existing member but would be expected to join, and you do need to live or work in our geographical coverage area. The role is voluntary and provides the opportunity to help lead a co-operative business providing an important financial and social service to its membership.

The Board meets around 12 times a year (in person or online), attends the Annual General Meeting with members, and has a few committees which meet outside of the full Board meetings. It is expected that you are available for approx. 6-8 hours per month.

What we are looking for

We are specifically looking for someone with a background in one or more of these sectors:

• Banking
• Accountancy
• Finance

Example experience and skills:

• Relevant qualifications, such as ACIB, CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent
• Experience of working or volunteering in a regulated business
• Experience of a personal lending business, loan underwriting and credit control
• Use of financial and management reporting to analyse the performance of a business
• Developing long term financial and commercial business plans and strategy
• Knowledge of corporate governance in a commercial or charitable organisation

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are striving to be a fully inclusive organisation, and we believe that our Board should reflect the communities that we serve. Therefore, we are looking for exceptional individuals who are suitably qualified and would welcome applicants from a diversity of backgrounds.