Do you have any spare time to use for the benefit of your community? Do you want some practical working experience in banking, administration, sales, marketing or publicity?

If the answer to either of these questions is YES, then you could make a real difference by volunteering at Fusion Credit Union.

Fusion Credit Union is always looking for volunteers. No experience is necessary and free training will be provided. You only have to commit to the type of work and hours which suit you.

We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, with a range of skills and experience. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet people and feel pride in the difference you make to peoples’ lives.

Volunteer today! Pop in to your local Collection Point and talk to a member of our friendly team.

Volunteer Opportunities include:

Collection point operation This is one of the most important roles with the credit union. As a collection point volunteer, you are the main point of contact for members and people who are interested in becoming members. We operate collection points across Lichfield District, so there is likely to be one close to you.

Administration Fusion Credit Union operates according to procedures which meet the Financial Services Authority’s (FSA) requirements. Maintaining records and handling financial data is an essential back-office function. Fusion uses software specifically designed for credit unions, and we can provide full training. Our office is located at Edgeworth House in North Lichfield.

Sales, marketing and publicity Fusion has a three year business plan, which sets out how we want to expand our operation. An effective marketing and publicity operation is an essential part of this. The work ranges from door to door leafleting, to strategy development. Photography, graphic design, or copy writing are skills we regularly require.

Loan application assessment Fusion’s loan committee members interview applicants for loans to establish their ability to repay them, and whether the loan is to be used for providential purposes, which is a credit union requirement.

The loans committee meets to discuss all loan applications and recommends loan decisions to the Board.

Board members A president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and up to five other members, make up Fusion’s board. The board is responsible for managing the credit union, and is elected from the membership, by the members. Board members must satisfy FSA requirements.

What’s involved? There are no particular number of hours required. You can work for as many, or as few hours as you want, on a weekly, or monthly basis.

All volunteers must be members of Fusion Credit Union.

For certain activities, such as operating at a school children’s savings club, a CRB check may be required. Enquiries will also be made for those putting themselves forward as board members, to ensure that they meet the FSA requirements for such posts.

Training Regular training sessions are provided for all volunteers, covering the operation of collection points, and specific FSA requirements, such as money laundering awareness and prevention. The training sessions also provide an opportunity to meet with other volunteers, and to discuss any issues and ideas for marketing activities.

The formal training sessions are supported by on-the-job training, either at a collection point or in the office.

Supervision and support is provided to all new volunteers.

There may also be an opportunity to gain an accredited volunteering qualification.