YOUR CREDIT UNION

First Choice Credit Union – a financial cooperative with over €260m in Gross Assets – prides itself on offering quality financial services to members in Achill, Balla, Ballyhaunis, Castlebar, Kiltimagh & Swinford.

First Choice Credit Union is committed to providing quality financial services to the community sphere, dedicated to serving our members in an efficient and professional manner, providing value relative to cost while enhancing our members’ financial health and quality of life and operating in an ethical and financially sound manner through the application of innovation and technology, accessible 24 hours, 7 days a week.

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are at the heart of First Choice Credit Union. We rely on their enthusiasm and skills in order to achieve our goals and continue to deliver a strong service within our community. We welcome people with a diverse range of skills, competencies and experience. Whether you have an hour or two to spare or can commit more time, there may be a role for you.

Finance, information technology, management and communications skills are particularly welcome. However, any ability to make a contribution is appreciated. There are policies and training in place to support volunteers in their roles. In addition to the induction training program for all new volunteers, ongoing training is available and people are encouraged to develop various skills.

First Choice Credit Union committees offer an excellent starting point for new volunteers. These committees provide experience, learning and an active role within First Choice Credit Union. Once a volunteer has served the Credit Union at committee level for a period of time, and training needs have been identified and addressed, they can move into a director or supervisor position.

FUNCTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 The Board of Directors and Management play different, but very important roles in the Credit Union. The Board of Directors provides leadership and oversight. It is guardian of the mission and vision of First Choice Credit Union and ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Directors are policymakers, ambassadors, partners and strategic thinkers. In addition to board commitments, Directors participate in various committees established to support the work of the Board of Directors.

The role is voluntary in nature and non-remunerated and requires investment in time, energy and expertise.

The Board of Directors is drawn from members who have the skills and knowledge to govern the Credit Union. Each Director stands for election by the members at the AGM.

FUNCTION OF THE BOARD OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

In general, the functions of the Board Oversight Committee relate to assessment, evaluation and reporting on whether the Board of Directors has operated in accordance with Part IV of ‘The Credit Union and Co-operation with Overseas Regulators Act 2012’.

Consistent with the nature of their role, the Board Oversight Committee is not expected to become directly involved in the operation of the Credit Union.

The role is voluntary in nature and non-remunerated and requires investment in time, energy and expertise.

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING WITH FIRST CHOICE CREDIT UNION

An individual can develop both personally and professionally by volunteering. The benefits of volunteering with First Choice Credit Union include:

• Gaining skills and experience with a professional financial service provider
• Education and training
• Personal development
• Meet new people from the community
• Work on developmental and business projects
• Give something back to the community