Engage Unsung Awards Winners Announced

Friday 26 January 2024

This week on International Credit Union Day, Engage Account announced the winners of its Unsung Hero Awards 2022. The award recognises the hard work, compassion, and determination that goes into the day-to-day operations of a credit union.

Engage Account was seeking stories that recognise the efforts of those behind the scenes; the front of house staff, the admin teams, the volunteers etc., all of whom work tirelessly for their credit unions, members, and wider communities

This year’s winners included member credit unions of ABCUL, including Colin Strickland from Riverside Credit Union and Julie Reddin from Mosshill Credit Union.

Following receiving the award, Mike Knight of Riverside Credit Union said: “In 1989 Colin was one of a small group of voluntary directors at Speke Community Credit Union. The narrow aim of the forerunners was to combat the activities of loan sharks in the Speke area. Today, known as Riverside Credit Union that concept has expanded and seen the organisation develop into one of the areas key community owned assets, held and controlled by its members.

Nowadays, Colin, as finance manager plus his committed team, deliver a self-sustained, regulated financial institution providing a safe savings facility plus administering millions of pounds in low interest loans. Each of those years Colin and the team have increased the membership support they give to thousands of members, helping enhance members personal financial resilience in today’s economically uncertain times.”

Speaking about Julie’s impact on the credit union, President of Mosshill, John McGarrell said: Julie has been an integral part of the success of the CU. Beginning as a volunteer her ability and love of CU ethos  ‘people helping people’  became apparent from an early stage. Pat Lewis, the Manager at the time recommended to the board employing Julie, one of the easiest and wisest decisions any board has made. Pat taught Julie really well and when she passed away Julie was more than qualified to take over.

“Our board  all volunteers have grown over the years with her guidance. Julia has been through a rough time the passed couple of years…while in hospital she had her laptop doing her Credit Union work.”

A spokesperson for Engage Account said: “It has been a fantastic couple of weeks, and we have had some great nominations come through and some amazing stories. We would like to thank everyone who has participated in the awards.  It really highlights all of the individual efforts which go into the day-to-day actions of a credit union, and the lengths these individuals go to. “

Commenting on the awards, ABCUL CEO, Robert Kelly said: “I’m delighted to see people who work tirelessly in the credit union sector in providing a vital day-to-day service are being recognised for their dedication and valued service to members.”

The full list of winners by region for the 2022 awards are:

England

Colin Strickland – Riverside Credit Union

David Talbot – Manx Credit Union

Northern Ireland

Jackie Purvis – Coagh and District Credit Union

Nigel McGonigle – Harp and Crown Credit Union

Scotland

Julie Reddin – Mosshill Credit Union

Joe Ochei – Grampian Credit Union

Wales

Colette Morgan – Save Easy Credit Union