Leeds Credit Union Employee rewarded with recognition from the Palace for her service to customer during the Covid crisis

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Credit Union staff are officially recognised by the Governmenrt as Key Workers.  Therefore we are delighted to announce that Joanne Swaine of Leeds Credit Union is celebrating for her efforts during the emergency. She is in receipt of a British Empire Medal for her efforts both during the COVID19 pandemic and her prior dedication to the Credit Union cause of helping people in the local community.

The British Empire Medal is a British medal awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.

Leeds Credit Union, which was this year named as the region’s best lender, has reinforced its member services provision during lockdown including branches remaining open with Joanne being instrumental in leading her team of credit union branch staff enabling this to happen.

Joanne was insistent on keeping service going as so many of the Credit Union’s customers depended on access to cash during the emergency.  Joanne also organised extra distribution of emergency welfare payments from Leeds City Council to help some of those most in need

A new mobile banking app has also been made available ahead of its official launch so members can access their accounts remotely.

Joanne said  “I was absolutely blown away by the award, at first I thought someone was just having a joke .and almost threw the letter from the Palace away. I am not just receiving this award for me but I am accepting it as recognition for the whole of the fantastic team at Leeds Credit Union. My guys kept at their posts serving customers to access desperately needed cash right in the thick of lockdown.

Chris Smyth CEO of Leeds Credit Union commented: “This is fantastic reward and recognition for Joanne’s tireless work as area branch manager in the community for the Credit Union. Leeds Credit Union would like to reward all our face to face staff however, we know that by Joanne’s heroic efforts being recognised this will be reflected on the whole team.”

This news comes as Leeds Credit Union have announced they saved members £1.8 million in high-interest repayments during the run up to last year’s festive period, and LCU is determined to ensure those struggling to cope financially this Christmas, don’t turn to unethical payday, doorstep or loan shark lenders, with the launch of a £17million ‘loan pot’ - which will be available for the next three months.