CU Futures Cohort Meets ABCUL Board at Strategy Meeting

Friday 11 July 2025

Participants in this year’s CU Futures programme have completed the second major stage of their 10-month development journey, marking an important milestone in the initiative’s ongoing mission to support and retain emerging talent within the British credit union sector.

Last month, the current CU Futures cohort travelled to Crewe to take part in a strategy session with the ABCUL Board. The event formed part of the Association’s wider strategic planning, giving the group a unique opportunity to connect directly with sector leaders by asking questions, sharing feedback, and contributing their views to the Board’s discussions.

Now in its 10th year, CU Futures is ABCUL’s flagship leadership programme aimed at younger professionals working in credit unions. It provides participants with intensive training and insight into the credit union movement, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to progress in their careers.

As part of the programme, participants complete a range of development modules through the ABCUL Academy and take part in training sessions including Leading a High-Performance Culture and The Personal Blueprint, delivered by The Pacific Institute. These sessions explore how individual and organisational culture impacts performance and leadership effectiveness.

Reflecting on the strategy session, CU Futures Programme Manager Jake Hatch said: “It’s always an energising moment when the CU Futures cohort meets with the ABCUL Board. It highlights the importance of their voices in shaping the sector’s future and offers a valuable opportunity to influence strategic conversations at the highest level. This experience, alongside the ongoing learning from The Pacific Institute’s High-Performance Culture and Personal Blueprint courses, is helping the group to better understand the role mindset and culture play in leadership and organisational effectiveness.

“As we move into the second half of 2025, the cohort will continue working through these modules—applying the tools and principles in their workplaces and personal development, as they progress on their journey to becoming the next generation of credit union leaders.”