Credit union champion helps make workforce financially secure
A HR officer at a family run timber firm in North Wales has received a prestigious award from the Credit Unions of Wales for encouraging the workforce to become more financially secure.
Jessica Budenberg received the “Workplace Champion” award from BBC broadcaster Roy Noble OBE at The Pierhead in Cardiff Bay on Thursday 20 October – International Credit Union Day.
The award was in recognition of her commitment to improving the financial wellbeing of employees in Archwood Ltd, in Chirk, raising employee awareness of local credit unions and accessing a range of ethical savings options available.
Jessica said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award and want to thank Cambrian Credit Union for all their support, particularly Sandra Highfield.
“By working together through the payroll partnership, we are able to train other staff members who in turn help the workforce become credit union members and access a whole range of financial products and services if they should choose to do so.”
Whilst seeking support for financial wellbeing, Jessica became inspired by the payroll partnership after attending a Moneyworks Wales webinar which promotes membership in the workforce with their nearest credit union.
Jessica arranged for four members of staff at Archwood to be trained as Moneyworks mentors, allowing them to fully understand the products and services and how credit unions and Moneyworks support the local community in the fight against high interest credit.
The staff are keen to promote the scheme to all new employees as part of their induction and encourage them to save directly from their salary.
Ann Francis, Chief Executive of Cambrian Credit Union said: “Jessica is serious about the welfare of the staff because present cost of living crisis.
“She is inspiring and the enthusiasm from Jessica and her team in ensuring its success is really motivating.”
Tom Owens, Manager of Progress Systems Ltd who sponsored the event said: ““The Credit Unions of Wales Awards illustrate the commitment and dedication of businesses, workers, organisations, members and volunteers towards the global credit union movement.
“It shows how credit unions are building communities and helping people manage their finances for a better future.”
The Welsh Government’s Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt said: ““Credit unions offer an ethical and affordable way of saving and borrowing for us all. They are a way we can contribute as a community to support those who are experiencing hardship, debt and poverty. This is more important than ever in light of the current cost-of-living crisis.
“We can all help underpin this ethical borrowing and saving service for those who need it as an alternative to payday loans.
“I believe that together we can make a huge difference to the financial wellbeing of people across our nation.
“Congratulations to all of the winners for all they do to further the incredible work of ethical savings and loan providers across Wales.”
Thanks to the ongoing support of Welsh Government, the Credit Unions of Wales Awards took place at The Pierhead on Cardiff Bay before an audience of almost 100 guests.
There were eight categories with a winner and highly commended named for each. The awards were presented by BBC broadcaster Roy Noble OBE.
The Credit Unions of Wales Awards took place on International Credit Union Day (Thursday 20 October)