Member Article

BFWCU invests in bright future with leadership scheme

A Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Credit Union (BFWCU) employee is one of only 20 young people in the UK to be accepted onto a prestigious training programme which is strengthening the credit union sector by developing young talent.

Business administrator Andrew Moulding, 23, has been nominated and sponsored by his BFWCU employers to take part in the CU Futures scheme, and will receive bespoke financial training aimed at creating the credit union managers, directors and leaders of the future.

To be deemed eligible for the competitive 12-month programme, credit union employees between the ages of 18 and 35 had to demonstrate passion, enthusiasm, and an aptitude for leadership.

As well as receiving an industry standard qualification accredited by the London Institute of Banking and Finance, Andrew will participate in high profile initiatives including the International Credit Union Day celebration at Westminster, Association of British Credit Union Limited’s (ABCUL) Policy Summit, and the Pacific Institute’s High Performance Culture programme.

The former Blackpool and the Fylde College student from Cleveleys joined BFWCU on a business administration apprenticeship four years ago, before being offered a full-time position.

Mike Barry, chief executive at BFWCU and Andrew’s sponsor for the CU Futures programme, said: “Since joining the organisation as an apprentice Andrew has shown himself to be extremely capable and an asset to the credit union. As he has grown and gained further knowledge and experience, he has established himself as a loyal, dependable and valued member of our team who is committed to helping members of the local community access safe savings accounts and affordable credit.

“Investing in this initiative was a no-brainer to further enhance Andrew’s skills and value to our organisation. It’s an incredible opportunity for young people in the credit union movement to gain formal qualifications to help them become the future leaders of the sector, learn about banking, finance, regulation and governance, and build a network of people from the industry which will be invaluable in the future.”

Andrew added: “The CU Futures programme teaches a wide range of skills I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to develop. I receive hands-on experience alongside leaders within the credit union and there’s opportunity to learn from others on the course. It’s been so interesting to see how we can take initiatives which have been successful at other organisations and adapt to benefit BFWCU and our members.

“I really enjoy working for BFWCU and firmly believe it has an important role to play within the community. We work with so many different people from a range of backgrounds, and I get a lot of job satisfaction seeing people’s reactions when they learn how much they’re saving each month.

“I’m keen to progress within the credit union, take on more responsibility, and expand my skills, knowledge and experience. The CU Futures programme is a fantastic opportunity and could help me move upwards in the organisation and my career.”

Now in its second year, the CU Futures programme aims to find and retain talent within the credit union movement and strengthen the sector by providing the necessary tools and resources needed to develop strong leadership in its students. It is run by ABCUL in partnership with the Credit Union Foundation and sponsored by Citi Foundation.

Upon successful completion of the programme, CU Futures students will graduate in March 2018.

In addition to the not-for-profit organisation’s investment into training programmes, all BFWCU staff have access to the ABCUL Academy; a complete suite of online learning which ensures they are kept up to date with vital knowledge to ensure their core competencies in carrying out the services to the members.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by BFWCU .