What is the Technology and Change SIG? The SIG is designed to:

• Foster Collaboration: Create a supportive space for members to share experiences and peer advice on technology and change management challenges.
• Focus on Strategic Delivery: Emphasize the strategic use of technology and formal project management principles adapted for Credit Unions.
• Provide Practical Support: Address real-world issues such as business case development, governance, reporting, and tool-specific insights.

Key Features of the SIG:

• Virtual-Only Format: Meetings will be held online, ensuring accessibility for all members.
• Bi-Monthly Sessions: Virtual sessions will take place every other month for 1.5 hours. Each session will include a focused agenda with topics such as business case development, governance, or specific tools, followed by open discussions and peer consultancy.
• Member-Led Input: Members can submit questions for group discussion, either publicly or anonymously, benefiting from collective insights and advice.
• No Initial Budget: The first year will focus on establishing the group, with potential for training opportunities from year two onward.

Who Should Join? This SIG is open to all members of ABCUL who are passionate about using technology and strategic project management tools to drive meaningful change within their Credit Unions. Whether you’re a leader, project manager, or team member interested in these topics, your participation is welcome.

Facilitators:

• Chair: Sally O’Hara (CTO, Penny Post)

An experienced (30 years) change professional with demonstrable ability to manage people and organisations through major change.   Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management, leadership and motivational skills.  Has successfully delivered multi-million pound projects in Retail Banking and pressurised Investment Banking environments involving a variety of technologies and business areas.  Has eight years’ experience in the Credit Union sector including running Operations, Finance and IT for two years, delivering whole platform transformation and data migration as well as defining business and technical strategy.

• Treasurer: Mike Barry (CEO, First Rate)

Mike Barry is a seasoned financial inclusion and credit union leader, deeply committed to enhancing access to not-for-profit financial services with over 25 years in the not-for-profit money sector, including the last 17 years in Credit Union leadership.

Mike’s career spans roles in the advice sector, local authority financial inclusion strategy, launching and developing a community credit union and driving growth in an established industrial credit union.

Being a technology geek since childhood Mike has always taken a keen interest in technology and how it can enhance operations, member experience and to allow growth.

Mike is currently Chief Executive Office at First Rate Credit Union.

• Secretary: David Hargreaves (Project Manager, Bradford District)

Joined Bradford District Credit Union in September 2024 as Project Manager / Business Analyst Lead in our Innovations & Projects team. Work history includes 30+ years’ experience as a Product Manager / Owner and Project Manager / Lead Business Analyst across Financial Services Institutions; Credit Reference Agency’s; Data Providers & UK Consultancies.

• Committee Member: Josh Austin (Board Member, Enterprise Credit Union)

Josh is a technology and transformation leader with 15 years of experience delivering change across multiple industries, including Insurance, Healthcare, Telecoms, and Financial Services. He began his career as a software developer before transitioning into delivery-focused roles, helping businesses navigate digital transformation and define strategies for growth.

In addition to his professional career, Josh has been a Board Member at Enterprise Credit Union for over five years, driving forward their digital initiatives. Passionate about the future of credit unions, he is committed to building a community of like-minded professionals who are ready to embrace innovation and change.