help to run the credit union
Are you able to help us run the Credit Union by being a volunteer?
ROMCUL relies strongly on volunteers to manage its operations. These include:
COLLECTION POINT STAFF ("Collectors") - the first point of contact most members have with the Credit Union, this role is particularly well suited to those who enjoy meeting and helping people. The Collectors carry out a variety of activities, but in particular the following:
Accepting and recording payments (savings or loan repayments), updating passbooks or providing receipts.
Accepting and recording membership applications.
Assisting members in the completion of forms.
Answering questions about the general operation of the Credit Union, and recording more specific questions to refer back to the office or management groups.
Answering members' confidential queries about their own accounts.
Recruiting new members - the greater the number of members, the greater the strength of the Credit Union to support them.
DATA ENTRY STAFF: The people who enter the data into ROMCUL's computer system, check its accuracy and back it up securely.
THE LOANS COMMITTEE: The people who assess the loan applications. The Credit Unions criteria for lending are more realistic than those of banks and building societies, being based upon a member's ability to repay, which is determined largely by the rate and consistency of past saving, previous loan history, etc.
THE CREDIT COMMITTEE: The people who review, develop and improve the lending policies and procedures.
THE TREASURY & FINANCIAL PLANNING GROUP: The people who carry out the financial projections, business planning, etc. People with experience in accountancy, business law and financial planning can find a particularly rewarding niche here.
THE SUPERVISORY GROUP: A semi-autonomous group which verifies data entry and financial recording, and which ensures that the Credit Union is managed and run legally and correctly, making recommendations where improvements are either necessary or desirable. This is an interesting and rewarding role, suitable for those with strong analytical skills and experience in business systems.
THE BOARD: A group of volunteers, elected annually, with overall responsibility for the legal and correct management of the Credit Union, implementation of policy, etc. The Board overlaps with, and sometimes wholly includes, working groups with particular roles. The Board also ensures that the recommendations from the Supervisory Group are followed, and that any problems identified are acted upon quickly. The Board includes a number of key officers:
The Chair, who conducts meetings and acts as the primary communicator with outside bodies.
The Treasurer, having overall responsibility for ensuring that the Credit Union follows correct accounting practices, etc., and for providing financial reports to The Board. The Treasurer is also a member of, and is supported by, the Treasury and Financial Planning Group.
The Secretary, who ensures that the Credit Union meets its legal obligations under Company Law, etc.
First Savers' Officer with particular responsibility for working with the Credit Union's younger members.
The Credit Committee Representative: The Board's main contact with the Credit Committee and the local Loans Officers
The Money Laundering Reporting Officer, responsible for identifying and reporting potential fraudulent use of a Credit Union account.
The Board also includes Directors without specific roles, and meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
If, like many other members, you feel you might be able to help please email or phone us at 01686 623741.
NB All staff, whether paid or volunteers, abide by strict rules of confidentiality.
