Become a Director of Beacon Savings & Loans

Help shape the future of Community Finance across Cheshire

Beacon is growing. We want to establish Beacon Savings & Loans as the first choice for ethical financial services for the people of Cheshire and WA post codes. We are looking for people who want to make a difference and help guide the future of our credit union.

Over the next five years, we aim to:

  • Expand membership
  • Increase lending
  • Increase financial stability for our members
  • Strengthen our communities
  • Strengthen our partnerships

To achieve that we are looking for new Board members who want to:

  • Make a positive impact
  • Develop governance and leadership experience
  • Help shape the future of Beacon

Why Beacon?

Beacon Savings & Loans helps thousands of members across Cheshire access affordable borrowing, build savings and improve their resilience.

As a member owned financial cooperative, every decision we make focuses on creating better outcomes for our members and communities.

As we continue to grow, strong governance and strategic leadership are more important than ever.

Beacon has recently been voted the Social Enterprise of the Year for 2026, by Halton Chamber of Commerce.

Why become a Director?

Make a difference

Help improve financial wellbeing across Cheshire and all WA postcodes.

Help shape the future

Be a part of Beacon’s next stage of growth and development.

Share your expertise

Use your knowledge and professional experience to support a growing organisation.

Build experience

Develop governance, leadership and strategic decision-making skills.

 

 

What’s in it for me?

Becoming a Director of Beacon Savings & Loans is an opportunity to make a real difference while developing valuable personal and professional skills.

Developing your leadership profile

Gain practical experience of board-level decision making, strategy, governance and organisational leadership within a regulated financial institution.

Expand your professional network

Work alongside experienced directors, business leaders and community stakeholders from a range of sectors across Cheshire and wider region.

Enhance your CV and career prospects

Board experience is highly valued by employers and can strengthen your credentials for senior leadership, executive and non-executive roles.

Learn new skills

Develop expertise in areas such as governance, risk management, financial oversight, regulatory compliance and strategic planning, supported by ongoing training and development.

Build your confidence and influence

Contribute your ideas, challenge constructively and help shape decisions that have a meaningful impact on thousands of local people.

Give back to your community

User your skills and experience to support financial inclusion, helping people access affordable and ethical financial services and improve their financial wellbeing.

Be part of something meaningful

Join an award-winning social enterprise and play a tole in shaping the future of a growing member-owned organisation that delivers genuine social value.

Who are we looking for?

We are interested in people with experience in areas such as:

  • Finance and Accountancy
  • Risk Management
  • Compliance and Governance
  • Digital and Technology
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Legal Services
  • Business Leadership
  • Community Development

However, we welcome applications from anyone with a passion for helping people and a willingness to contribute.

 

No previous board experience?

That’s OK. We are looking for enthusiasm, commitment and fresh perspectives, as much as existing governance experience.

Many successful Directors join a Board for the first time.

We provide:

  • Induction and support
  • Ongoing training
  • Access to experienced Directors
  • Opportunities to learn about governance and credit unions

We are looking for enthusiasm, commitment and fresh perspectives, as much as existing governance experience.

Responsibilities

As a director, you will:

  • Articulate and uphold the mission, vision, values and objectives of Beacon Savings & Loans
  • Provide strategic oversight and governance to ensure financial stability and soundness
  • Represent the interests of our members and uphold cooperative values and principles
  • Oversee compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
  • Participate in defining strategic aims and ensuring their implementation
  • Identify risks and maintain a risk management framework
  • Attend board and committee meetings, actively participating in discussions and decision making
  • Serve on at least one sub-committee or project group when required
  • Represent Beacon Savings & Loans to external stakeholders
  • Ensure Confidentiality with Data Protection principles

Time Commitment

Directors typically commit approximately 3-4 hours per month – but we won’t hold you back if you want to do more.

Succession planning

The next generation of leaders

As Beacon grows, we are actively planning for the future composition of our Board.

 

We are keen to hear from people who wish to help shape the next phase of Beacon’s journey and who may become future Committee Chairs, Officer positions or Board leaders.

Interested?

We would delighted to have an informal conversation about becoming a Director.

Email: Michael Greenwood (Chair) michael.greenwood@wearebeacon.com or Gareth Heesom (CEO) gareth.heesom@wearebeacon.com

or complete the form below