Coop fortnight – Education, Training and Information
During Co-op Fortnight (22 June to 5 July 2020), we have been looking at the principles that mould our credit union and see how they fit into a plan to channel the positive co-operation many people in the community have been part of during the testing coronavirus period. There have been many inspiring stories which have come out of this current crisis. There are lessons to be learned for the future. We believe if we #KeepCooperating the whole community can benefit.
PCCU is a financial cooperative providing ethical savings and affordable loan accounts, we have operated throughout the coronavirus pandemic to make sure people in our community have had access to the money they needed.
Education, Training and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
What does the 5th principle ‘Education, Training and Information mean to PCCU?
All the co-operative principles are important however we understand that in order to provide a high quality services to members, firstly our board of directors, management team and staff team need to be equipped with the most up to date training, knowledge, policies and procedures relating to the credit union model.
All members of the board and staff are enrolled on the training suite designed by the largest trade association for UK credit unions. The ABCUL Academy incorporates a learning management system, compliance content and training modules specific to British credit unions. PCCU can access and complete on-line training courses and search for learning opportunities to assist in the growth and development of staff knowledge. The fresh content helps to keep both board and staff members up to date with the latest developments and best practice.
All board and staff members are invited to participate in annual planning and training session, participate with national and regional credit union training sessions, whilst younger members of staff are encourage to join the variety of excellent training opportunities such as the CU Futures programme.
As a credit union we listen to member’s feedback and deliver information on a range of topics through print and digital channels, such as the PCCU blog, that aims to inform anything from the best way to compare loans, what’s the point of budgeting to the best way to take the stress out of Christmas by saving early. When there are changes to accounts or protections such as the FSCS we get the message to account holder as soon as possible.
We are continually looking at the best ways to communicate with members, whether in branch, on the telephone, through the post or with the introduction of the Nivo app where we invited members to ask questions and get the information they need.
What can I do?
If you need more information regarding your account then please get in touch and the friendly staff team will be happy to help. Keep an eye out on our social media channels, as Facebook and Twitter are regularly updated. Take a look at the PCCU blog and monthly email with what the credit union is up to.
Finally we work hard to tell the community what we are doing at every opportunity, if you think someone you know could benefit from our services – recommend PCCU to a friend or neighbour.
We believe if we #KeepCooperating the whole community can benefit.
