WHO WE ARE
UKCreditUnions was established in April 2004 and is a national trade association dedicated to supporting, representing, and strengthening credit unions across the United Kingdom.
Our purpose is simple: to help credit unions thrive. We bring together organisations that share a commitment to financial inclusion, ethical finance, and delivering better outcomes for members and communities. By providing a strong collective voice, practical support, professional networks, and opportunities for collaboration, we help our members navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and shape the future of the sector.
As the recognised advocate for credit unions, we work with regulators, policymakers, industry bodies, and key stakeholders to ensure the interests of our members are represented at the highest levels. We champion the value of credit unions, promote best practice, and support innovation that enables the sector to grow sustainably and remain relevant in an evolving financial landscape.
Membership offers far more than representation. It provides access to sector insights, networking opportunities, industry events, professional development, shared expertise, and a community of peers who understand the unique opportunities and challenges facing credit unions today.
We also welcome associate members, including suppliers, consultants, technology providers, and organisations that share our vision of a stronger credit union movement. Associate membership offers valuable opportunities to build relationships, increase visibility, contribute expertise, and support the continued development of the sector.
Whether you are a credit union looking to strengthen your organisation or a partner seeking to engage with one of the UK's most trusted financial sectors, UKCreditUnions provides a platform to connect, influence, collaborate, and grow.
Together, we are building a stronger future for credit unions and the communities they serve.
Why Join?
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A stronger collective voice with government, regulators, and industry stakeholders
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Access to sector news, insights, and emerging trends
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Opportunities to collaborate and share best practice
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Networking and learning through events and professional forums
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Support to help your organisation grow, adapt, and succeed
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Connections with trusted partners and suppliers across the sector
Join UKCreditUnions and be part of shaping the future of the credit union movement.
THE TEAM
There are 10 available positions for Directors that make up the committee and they act in a voluntary capacity.
The CEO also holds the post of the Company Secretary.
The Directors and Staff for 2025 to 2026 are:
CATHY GREIG - DEEU
Chair of the Board of Directors
Cathy is the Chairperson of UKCU. She is a member and active volunteer of Vale of Leven Credit Union, Cathy is also employed as the CEO at the Vale. Cathy is also a trustee and secretary of the UKCU Death Benefit Trust and is a founder Director of UKCU.
JOE MUIRHEAD
Vice Chair of the Board of Directors
Joe is a Director and Treasurer of Fairfield Govan Credit Union, an employee credit union covering staff at BAE Systems based at the shipyard complex on the Clyde. Joe is also a trustee of the UKCU Death Benefit Trust. Joe has been on the UKCU board since 2005 and is the Vice Chair.
ELAINE COLEMAN
Board Member
Elaine has been involved as a volunteer with Credit Unions for the past 20 years and was a founder member of Kerrier & The Fal Credit Union which then merged with other Cornish Credit Unions to become Kernow Credit Union. Elaine is a Director & Development Officer and serves as the Chair. Elaine has been on the UKCU board since 2014.
ELAINE GILMOUR - DEEU
Board Member
Elaine worked as the CU Development & Support Officer in Middlesbrough for 15 years. In 2009 she was responsible for merging four small community credit unions in to one (Pioneer). In 2013 a further two were added and one more in 2017. She is now employed by Pioneer as CEO.
GERALD SANDISON
Board Member
Gerald is Chair of the RMT Credit Union board, a national association credit union based on the membership of RMT trade union. Gerald was elected as a Director of UKCU in 2009. Now retired, Gerald was Head of Branch Accounts at the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers.
RICHARD CONSTABLE - DEEU
Board Member
Richard has been the Compliant Director for the RMT Credit Union since 2015. He has made a significant contribution to the compliant reporting system for RMT by digitalising the process whilst keeping within the rules as laid down by the financial authorities.
DAWN VEAR - DEEU
CEO & Company Secretary
Dawn has been voluntary Director of First Choice Credit Union since it first started in 1993. She currently holds the role of Secretary . Dawn has been employed by UKCU since it was first founded in 2004 and is the CEO and Company Secretary. Dawn is also a trustee of the UKCU Death Benefit Trust.
KERRY REID
Administrator
Kerry has been a part of the credit union movement since she first began volunteering for First Choice Credit Union at the age of 14. Kerry joined the UKCU team in 2013 and works closely with the CEO.
JO MOSCROP
Board member
Jo is the Chief Business Development Officer at No1 CopperPot Credit Union and has worked in the credit union sector for over 10 years. She has a degree in Advertising and Brand Management and a masters in Strategic Leadership. Jo joined the UKCU board in 2024
BOBBY CUMMING
Board Member
Bobby serves alongside of Joe as a Director of Fairfield Govan Credit Union, an employee credit union covering staff at BAE Systems based at the shipyard complex on the Clyde, a role he has undertaken for many years. Bobby joined the UKCU board in 2023