ABCUL Strengthens Board Effectiveness to Support the Credit Union Movement

Friday 13 February 2026

Representing some 120 credit unions, it provides representation, lobbying, training, networking and practical support to help credit unions thrive and serve their communities.

A major change in how ABCUL was structured and how its Board worked sparked the decision to undergo a Board Effectiveness Review. “It felt like an opportune moment to step back and ask whether the Board itself was operating as effectively as it could,” said ABCUL Chief Executive Matt Bland. “So we sought independent support and insight.”

The review process was thorough and reflective. Zena met the Board as a group, observed a meeting in action – and gathered evidence through surveys and one‑to‑one interviews, including with Matt, who was then Vice Chair.

The resulting report provided a thorough analysis and a wide range of recommendations, from clarifying roles and responsibilities – particularly the role of the Chair – to looking honestly at different levels of engagement around the table.

“It was very detailed,” Matt said. “It went into how discussions were managed, how people were brought in and how the Board could be more effective overall. Everything was constructive and practical.”

A key point to emerge was the need for the Board to spend more time on the bigger picture and less on operational detail. “We were very clear that we wanted to be a more strategic Board,” Matt explained. “The review gave us a clear, actionable roadmap to help us get there.”

Some of the changes were straightforward to implement, such as restructuring agendas, reforming board papers and even colour‑coding them to make priorities clearer. Others required more personal reflection.

“How a Chair manages a meeting is very individual, and not always easy to change,” Matt said. “But our Chair has really focused on his personal style and on bringing people into discussions more effectively.”

The recommendations have also informed wider changes within the organisation, with Matt drawing heavily on Zena’s report. He said: “It gave me real confidence that this was the right direction of travel. Everything that was recommended was positive and aligned with what we needed to do.”

ABCUL has since reviewed and refreshed its strategic aims. Board agendas are being reshaped to create protected space for strategic discussion, with each meeting focusing on a different strategic theme over the course of the year.

The whole process was handled in a way that got everyone involved on board too, thanks to Zena’s personable approach. “Zena’s style was very disarming. She was friendly and put people at ease – and that really helped build buy-in.”

While change is still a work in progress, the impact of the review is already being felt. “It’s given us clarity, focus and confidence,” Matt said. “We feel very positive about it. It was a rewarding experience that delivered exactly what we wanted – actionable recommendations, delivered in a constructive way. And great value for money.”