CU Futures acknowledged at special ABCUL conference ceremony

Tuesday 23 January 2024

Going virtual for this year’s conference made no difference to the CU Futures ceremony being a highlight of the event. The event acknowledged the success of the programme in its six years and also gave thanks to this year’s class who have had to complete the 12-month course online.

ABCUL President, Karen Bennett spoke to delegates saying: “Although it isn’t a graduation on stage for this year’s participants of the programme, we are thrilled to give the group special recognition for thriving in a challenging year with no face-to-face meetings.”

Karen added: “I’m incredibly proud of how this programme has progressed over the years and it brings me great pride to see how our sector continues to develop and enhance our future leaders, today. I know first-hand the benefits that CU Futures has on its participants, as I see on a day-to-day basis the impact it has had on staff at my own credit union, Enterprise CU. In six years, we’ve overseen 57 individual graduates from 41 different credit unions across England, Scotland and Wales.”

A key part of the CU Futures programme is for participants to work collaboratively in groups on a 12-month project to address the challenges that face the credit union sector. During the two-day ABCUL Conference, each team presented their proposal to a judging panel.

Each group presented to the panel on the morning of day two and we were delighted to announce this year’s winners during the ceremony. Emily Alexander of Advance Credit Union and Jonny Boult of Blues and Twos Credit Union were winning of this year’s group project.

Strategic Business Development Partner, Emily Alexander said: “Going into CU futures with only 6-months experience, I learnt so much about every job role within the credit unions which then further helps me in my development role. The final project really made us think about a gap in our sector and was really enjoyable to have a complete free run with coming up with solutions. Although, Jonny and I didn’t meet and nor did anyone meet any of this years cohort, I still feel like we get on really well and if anyone of us need advice or a network in the future, we are certainly all there to support.”

Marketing Officer, Jonny Boult said: “I never thought that I would be accepted into doing a course like CU futures at the start of last year, I was a very shy person, but by spending a week in London/Manchester with other likeminded people from all over the world in the credit union sector it helped me come out of my shell a little more and put myself forward for the course The training that we received from Liz was fundamental to mine and Emily’s winning presentation. I would recommend the course to anyone who can apply for it, it will help boost your confidence and your development, and teach you how to be the best leader you can be.”