Join the Board of Thistle Credit Union and help shape the future of ethical, community-based finance. As a volunteer Non-Executive Director, you will provide strategic oversight, strengthen governance and support sustainable growth that improves financial wellbeing across our communities.
What difference will you make?
Board leadership is critical to the success and sustainability of Thistle Credit Union. By strengthening our governance, strategic oversight and long-term planning, this role will directly support our ability to serve members responsibly and effectively.
The successful Director will help us
* Make robust, well-informed strategic decisions
* Maintain strong financial health and regulatory compliance
* Navigate sector challenges and opportunities with confidence
* Expand access to affordable credit and savings products
* Enhance member trust and organisational reputation
Effective Board challenge and support enables our executive team to deliver impactful services while managing risk appropriately. Your contribution will help ensure we remain resilient, innovative and member-focused.
Ultimately, this role will contribute to improving financial wellbeing in our communities — supporting individuals and families to save safely, borrow responsibly and build greater financial stability. By strengthening our governance and strategic direction, you will help ensure that Thistle Credit Union continues to make a meaningful difference for current and future members.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking a committed and values-driven individual who shares our passion for ethical finance, community development and financial inclusion.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who can think strategically, provide constructive challenge, and work collaboratively as part of a Board team. You will be comfortable reviewing financial and performance information, asking thoughtful questions, and contributing to balanced, well-informed decision-making.
We welcome applications from individuals with senior-level or leadership experience in areas such as
* Financial services or banking
* Risk, audit or compliance
* Finance or accountancy
* Digital transformation or technology
* Governance or regulatory environments
* Strategic planning and organisational growth
* Community development or social enterprise
Experience within the credit union sector is helpful but not essential. We value transferable skills and fresh perspectives.
Essential qualities include
* Sound judgement and integrity
* Strategic thinking and the ability to see the bigger picture
* Willingness to both support and challenge constructively
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Commitment to cooperative values and member-focused services
* Ability to dedicate sufficient time to Board and committee responsibilities
We are particularly interested in broadening the diversity of our Board and welcome applications from individuals who bring lived experience of financial exclusion, community advocacy, or working with underserved groups. Diverse perspectives strengthen our decision-making and better reflect the communities we serve.
Above all, we are looking for someone motivated by purpose — who wants to use their skills to strengthen a community-based financial institution and help improve financial wellbeing for our members.
What will you be doing?
Thistle Credit Union is a member-owned financial co-operative committed to providing fair, accessible and responsible financial services. As we continue to grow and modernise, we are seeking a new Non-Executive Director to join our Board and help guide the organisation through its next phase of development.
Our Board comprises experienced professionals from a range of backgrounds who share a commitment to ethical finance and community impact. We are focused on strengthening governance, enhancing digital services, increasing membership, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability in a changing regulatory and economic environment.
The new Director will contribute to
* Setting and reviewing strategic direction
* Overseeing financial performance and risk management
* Ensuring strong regulatory compliance and governance standards
* Supporting organisational transformation and innovation
* Holding the executive team to account while providing constructive challenge and support
Depending on experience and interest, the Director may also serve on a Board subcommittee (such as Risk & Audit, Credit, or Governance & Nominations) and contribute to specific strategic projects.
This is an exciting time to join Thistle Credit Union. The financial services landscape is evolving rapidly, and credit unions have a vital role to play in tackling financial exclusion, supporting households through cost-of-living pressures, and providing ethical alternatives to high-cost lending. As a Director, you will help ensure our organisation remains resilient, forward-looking and firmly rooted in our co-operative values.
The role requires attendance at regular Board meetings and participation in occasional strategic planning sessions. It offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute your expertise in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment while helping shape the future of community finance.