Adullam Homes and Citysave are celebrating a new partnership which will make it even easier for Adullam employees to take control of their finances.

Ceri Murphy, Assistant Director-People at Adullam said:

“Adullam Homes believes that its employees are at the heart of everything it does; that is why we are committed to ensuring all staff have access to a range of wellbeing services. As part of our wider wellbeing agenda, we have a pillar committed to the Financial Wellbeing of our team.

“The Citysave employee benefit scheme ensures that all staff, regardless of their personal circumstances, have access to ethical and simple financial services. In addition, working with a community, not-for-profit organisation like Citysave aligns with our values and gives us confidence they will act with our employees’ interests at heart.”

Under the partnership, Adullam Homes employees will be able to join the Credit Union, giving them access to savings accounts and affordable loans. Partnerships like these have been proven to improve the financial and mental wellbeing of employees which reduces stress and increases financial resilience, leading to happier and more productive workforces.

In March 2023, Fair4All commissioned research to look at the positive effect payroll deduction can have. The report stated that payroll deduction should become a policy priority for business organisations, trade bodies, funders, central and local government, and civil society.

Sean Lynch, Citysave Chief Executive Officer said:
“We are delighted to welcome Adullam Homes onto our employee benefit scheme. It is encouraging to see forward thinking employers bringing in our services to help support the financial wellbeing of their staff. A key theme in the Money and Pension Services strategy for financial wellbeing is to get 2 million more people saving. We know that our partnerships drive real change in employees’ savings habits, while at the same time insulating them from financial shock. Last week we saw the conviction of a Loan Shark who was lending to other employees. This staff benefit works to directly address those types of issues, that can occur in the workplace.”

The credit union is based in the heart of Birmingham and serves a large portion of the West Midlands area. To find out more about the products and services we offer, head to our website or contact us.

The post Adullam Homes Housing Association partners with Citysave appeared first on Citysave.

Citysave Credit Union is thrilled to announce its recognition as Community Business/Cooperative of the Year at the prestigious 2024 Social Economy Awards. This honour highlights Citysave’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion and empowering communities through ethical, member-focused financial services.

The award, presented at a gala ceremony in Birmingham, celebrates Citysave’s outstanding contributions to social value, innovative service delivery, and unwavering dedication to its members. Operating at the heart of its community, Citysave has made a tangible difference by delivering products and support designed to improve financial resilience and inclusion.

Sean Lynch, CEO of Citysave Credit Union, expressed his pride and gratitude:
“This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust of our members. At Citysave, we believe in building financial stability for our communities through cooperation and compassion. Being recognized for these efforts is deeply humbling and motivates us to continue innovating and serving. Thank you to the Social Economy Awards for this honour and to everyone who makes Citysave what it is today.”

Citysave’s impact is demonstrated not only in its financial products but also in its educational initiatives and partnerships that address critical issues such as debt reduction, saving for the future, and responsible borrowing. Winning this award underscores the power of the cooperative model in creating sustainable, positive change.

Citysave Credit Union would like to thank its members, partners, and staff for their continued support and contribution to its success. Together, we look forward to driving even greater impact in the years ahead.
For more information on how Citysave can support your business, please contact:

Sean Lynch
Sean.lynch@citysave.org.uk

The post Citysave Credit Union Wins Community Business/Cooperative of the Year at the 2024 Social Economy Awards appeared first on Citysave.

Citysave Credit Union and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) are celebrating a new partnership which will make it even easier for employees of the Authority to take control of their finances.

The WMCA have said:
“The West Midlands Combined Authority believes that its employees are at the heart of everything we do. That is why we are committed to ensuring all staff have access to a range of wellbeing services including the Citysave payroll scheme. We have launched a Thrive at Work scheme under our own wellbeing initiatives and would encourage other employers in the region to follow in our footsteps.“

Under the partnership, West Midlands Combined Authority Employees will be able to easily join the Credit Union, giving them access to savings accounts and affordable loans. Partnerships like these have been proven to improve the financial and mental wellbeing of employees which reduces stress and increases financial resilience, leading to happier and more productive workforces. In March 2023 Fair4All commissioned research to look at the positive effect payroll deduction can have. The report stated that Payroll deduction should become a policy priority for business organisations, trade bodies, funders, central and local government and civil society.  

Sean Lynch, Citysave Chief Executive Officer said:
“We are delighted to welcome the West Midlands Combined Authority onto our employee benefit scheme. It is encouraging to see forward thinking employers bringing in our services to help support the financial wellbeing of their staff. A key theme in the Money and Pension Services strategy for financial wellbeing is to get 2 million more people saving. We know that our partnerships drive real change in employees’ savings habits while at the same time insulating them from financial shock.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:
“I’m pleased to learn of the Citysave scheme – making it easier for employees to save, borrow and build up financial resilience. This initiative chimes with the WMCA’s Thrive At Work programme – nurturing the wider employee wellbeing agenda. I expect other employers will be keen to follow suit in the months and years ahead. I wish Citysave all the best in their endeavours.”

The credit union is based in the heart of Birmingham, and offers a range of online and mobile banking services to people living or working in Birmingham and Warwickshire. To find out more about the products and services we offer, head to our website or contact us.

The post Citysave Credit Union and West Midlands Combined Authority Announce New Partnership appeared first on Citysave.

Citysave Credit Union is thrilled to announce the official launch of the PrizeSaver scheme, a unique savings initiative designed to empower members to start saving small while offering the chance to win fantastic prizes every month.

PrizeSaver operates on a simple yet rewarding principle: for every £1 saved in a member’s account at the end of each month, they will receive one automatic entry into the following month’s prize draw. Members have the flexibility to enter up to 200 times per month, enhancing their chances of winning exciting prizes. The headline prize stands at an impressive £5,000, making dreams of financial milestones a reality. Additionally, there are 10 smaller prizes of £50 and 10 prizes of £20, ensuring a diverse range of winners each month.

Citysave Credit Union is committed to providing a secure environment for its members’ savings. The PrizeSaver scheme assures participants that their money is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, covering deposits up to £85,000. Members can save with confidence, knowing that their funds are safeguarded against unforeseen circumstances.

Commenting on the launch of PrizeSaver, Sean Lynch, CEO at Citysave Credit Union, said, “The Money and Pension Service has a 10 year strategy that is trying to get 2 million more working-age ‘struggling’ and ‘squeezed’ people saving regularly. I believe that Citysave, with its own vision and mission, is perfectly aligned to support that strategy. The PrizeSaver is a great way to drive behavioral change in people who may not have saved before. Financial resilience and the need for savings to fall back on is a well rehearsed issue. The key is motivating that change and I believe that is what this scheme sets out to deliver.” 

Citysave Credit Union invites both existing and new members to join the PrizeSaver scheme, turning the act of saving into an exciting and rewarding experience. For more information about Citysave Credit Union and the PrizeSaver scheme, please visit https://www.citysave.org.uk/prizesaver/.

The post Citysave Credit Union Launches Exciting PrizeSaver Scheme, Encouraging Members to Save and Win appeared first on Citysave.

A branch in your pocket!

Don’t forget to download our app

Our new mobile app is available to download from the relevant app store.

You will be able to view your balances, make share withdrawal requests, update your details and much more!

Please note – You will need to create new online login credentials using your existing member number and your old online member area credentials will no longer work. You are not required to re-join the credit union.

The details you use for the new app will also work for the new members area on the website

The post A Branch in your Pocket appeared first on Citysave.

Citysave recently visited North Warwickshire Borough Council House to attend the Cost-of-Living Engagement Forum with several other support agencies in the region. At the event the Chief Executive for the council pledged to join Citysave.

Steve Maxey – Chief Executive said “The council is very proud of the employee benefit scheme in place with Citysave helping to support our employees with their financial needs. Making it easier for employees to save and build up financial resilience is a fundamental part of our wider employee wellbeing agenda. I hope by becoming a member of Citysave, I can encourage other staff in the council to do the same”

Citysave had been invited to the event to distribute information about how the Credit Union can have a positive impact on both the local community and the employees of North Warwickshire Borough Council.

Sean Lynch – CEO said “Citysave has been operating for 34 years and is now one of the largest Credit Unions in the region. We have a rich history of supporting council employees as we were originally founded by Birmingham City Council in 1988. Financial resilience is very much in the spotlight currently; the products and services Citysave offer tackle that issue directly. It is such a powerful statement to get the Chief Executive joining the credit union and becoming part of our story”

The Money and Pension Service released a report on 27th September 2022 – Nation of Savers: A report from the UK Adult Financial Wellbeing Survey which stated: “Being a ‘regular saver’ is an important steppingstone to improving financial wellbeing. In conjunction with other attitudes and behaviours with money, it can make a big difference to people’s lives”

The article also states: “In the delivery plans for the UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing, we are focused on taking forward three recommendations to build a Nation of Savers among working age adults on low-to-modest incomes” one of which is expanding the provision of workplace (payroll) savings. To view the article click here

Citysave has been working with employers across the Birmingham and Warwickshire region for 34 years. The scheme is completely free, and the Credit Union handles most of the admin on behalf of the employer

To find out more and get in touch click here

The post North Warwickshire Borough Council is supporting its employee’s financial wellbeing appeared first on Citysave.

Last year the Financial Inclusion Centre published new research report called Getting Workforces Saving: Payroll Schemes with Credit Unions

The research looked at the scheme with two major employers in the Yorkshire region and the researchers we able to conclude the following:

• Payroll savings is effective at encouraging positive savings behaviours and promoting financial resilience amongst lower-medium income workers. The research found these workers were typically saving £50-70 a month.
• Backing payroll savings could make a significant contribution to Money and Pension Services strategic goal of getting two million more people who are either squeezed or struggling to start to save by 2030

In addition to the report, the centre make over 40 Policy recommendations. Some of which include:

• Urge the UK government, and governments of the nations of the UK, to adopt payroll saving as a key policy priority
• Government and the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) should actively engage the largest private sector employers in each UK region
• The British Chambers of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) should promote payroll savings amongst their members
• An aspiration that all employers offer payroll savings for their workforces – every employer, no matter what their size, should consider a payroll scheme an essential component of their workforce financial wellbeing / staff benefits offer

Citysave has been offering Payroll deduction to the employees of Birmingham and Warwickshire for over 30 years. We have a proven track record of delivering this staff benefit to Public, Private and the Third Sector. To find out more about how we can help your Financial Wellbeing Agenda, click here

The post Getting Workforces Saving appeared first on Citysave.

Dear Citysave Member,

Citysave Credit Union Annual General Meeting

Trading year September 2022/23

Date: Monday 18th March 2024

Time:  6-7pm

Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams

(a link for the meeting will be shared with registered attendees closer to the date of the meeting)

Order of Business at the Annual General Meeting (Rule 43)

• Ascertain a quorum is present as per Rule 46 (Chair)
• Approval of the minutes of the last annual general meeting
• Board report
• Treasurer’s report
• Auditor’s report
• Declaration of surplus available for distribution and a Board of Directors recommendation of application of same
• Chief Officer report
• Supervisor’s report
• Appointment of auditors
• Motions
• Elections of Directors

If you wish to attend the AGM, please register your interest by e-mailing enquiries@citysave.org.uk. Please provide your full name and membership number.

A copy of the draft accounts for the trading year alongside the motions proposed will be sent directly to members who register for the event.

The minutes for last years AGM can be found here

The post Citysave AGM 2024 appeared first on Citysave.

We wish to reassure you that we have implemented robust contingency arrangements to handle your business as usual during these exceptional times.

We remain fully open as usual – However we know how frustrating it can be to occasionally telephone queue and recommend you do not call the office if your call is simply to make a balance enquiry.

Citysave offers instant access to your balance information requests through either (or both) a text message service and mobile phone account access.

• If you require an immediate balance, please text the word “Savings” to 80800 and a text will be delivered to your mobile phone containing your balance.
• For account balance information and the ability to withdraw money to your nominated account then we strongly recommend you register for our online service. This can be accessed most easily through your mobile phone. If you have not already set yourself up for this facility, please use the below link for guidance on how to register citysave.org.uk/how-to-register – once your registration has been approved you can access your account from the Citysave homepage. Simply click on “online area” from the website homepage menu.

Please remember to keep your personal details held by Citysave, including your mobile phone number, up to date.

We aim to provide robust service for your savings and loan requirements and wish everybody safe
navigation through this difficult period.

Yours sincerely
Citysave Credit Union

The post Covid 19 resiliance appeared first on Citysave.

We are delighted to be able to help and Tenants and Landlords alike with the rent settlement challenges presented by Universal Credit and are pleased to be able to announce a formal partnership with Bournville Village Trust (BVT) and Birmingham City council to run pilot schemes over the next few  months.  Arthur Tsang from BVT commented;

 “Bournville Village Trust is pleased to partner with Citysave Credit Union in a collaboration designed to help residents who are receiving Universal Credit to successfully manage their rent payments. The scheme provides support to help residents manage their money and specifically provides peace of mind around the payment of rent. We believe the scheme will help both our tenants and our organisation to manage some of the challenges which Universal Credit may present”

 Details of the scheme can be found at Rent Protection Services

The post Help for Tenants and Landlords appeared first on Citysave.