Great Western Credit Union

Lewis joined the Board in 2016. He has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, primarily at Lloyds Banking Group working across all their consumer distribution channels. He left in 2009 to establish a small luxury travel business with his partner. Lewis returned to banking, joining fintech Atom Bank to head their customer experience function prior to launch. He is currently back at Lloyds to help develop their digital channel capability for business customers.

Peter joined the Board in 2021, and until October 2022 was the lead lawyer for the Environment Agency on a range of corporate governance issues where he led a diverse full service in-house legal team. Peter was a trustee then chair of the UK Environmental Law Association until 2011; and a trustee and then chair of St. Werburghs City Farm in Bristol until September 2018. He has also contributed to a wide range of publications about the environment.

Jonquil is Chair of the Audit Committee. She brings 25 years’ experience from Lloyds Banking Group, in Retail, Commercial and Operations functions, and her qualification as a Certified Accountant to her role as a Director.

Denis brings experience from having held several voluntary non-executive roles, including as Chair of school governors, supporting a technology start-up, and on the board of St. Paul’s Carnival - where they won Best Event in the 2019 Bristol Life Awards. Denis works for multinational companies helping to deliver digital and IT transformation projects.

Sara has worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the Personal Finance Research Centre, at the University of Bristol since 2009. Her research focuses on understanding financial policy and products from the perspective of the consumer.

Simon is an experienced board Trustee and Director, having worked with many different organisations including churches, schools, the Redcliffe Children’s Centre, and Derbyshire Community Bank. Simon is Director of Ministry Development for the Bristol Diocese, previously Canon Chancellor of Derby Cathedral, and Priest in Charge at St. Mary Redcliffe.

James began his involvement with credit unions in Bristol as a volunteer Director whilst still working for the Bank of Ireland (UK) as Senior Market Analyst, UK. His previous retail banking experience included operational and ICT roles with Barclays Bank and a number of marketing roles with both Barclays and Bank of Ireland. He combined a number of smaller credit unions into the new Bristol Credit Union in 2006 and has provided leadership for the organisation since then. He continues to deliver strong growth in membership, savings and lending as well as leading the organisational, technological and people changes necessary in responding to members’ changing needs and the growing requirements of a scale-up, whilst maintaining a constancy of vision and purpose.

Karen is a qualified accountant and has had a successful career of over 20 years in Banking as a Finance and Business leader. She supported GWCU to deliver its digital transformation in 2020 with excellent financial expertise coupled with strong communication and change management skills, all underpinned by an operational, and commercial understanding.

Claire joined GWCU in 2016 and leads on all aspects of GWCU’s marketing activity, including member communications and engagement. She has over 20 years’ experience in marketing in the public and charitable sectors.

Henry is GWCU’s Head of Finance and joined us in 2017. He is responsible for performance analysis, forecasting and reporting. His data interrogation and modelling underpin our financial plans and new product development. He’s a qualified accountant who previously worked for Second Step, the Bristol mental health charity. Prior to that, he had 20 years’ experience as a maths teacher and senior manager in further education colleges.

Keith has 20 years’ experience working in credit unions, both in the United States and the United Kingdom. He was originally the Lending Manager for GWCU, transitioned to the Member Support Manager role and is now Operations Manager, overseeing the day-to-day functions across GWCU for Lending, Member Support and Member Services. His broad experience gives him insight not only into the internal functions and employee experiences, but also the member experience. He is people-focussed and strives for the best outcome for employees and members alike.