Annual General Meeting 2024

As part of the digital programme, we are introducing faster payments. This will mean that our members will either be able to make same day payments to their nominated bank account. There will be a few ways that members will be able to do this, either in branch or via the new savings portal (which will be available late April) or via the App which will be delivered in late May.

The head office is not a functioning branch, hence why we have not been able to markup passbooks at that time. We do not intend to change this, as there is simply not a demand for an operating branch on Upper Bond Street. Any local branch will be able to help, and we would be delighted to see you in our branch network. Alternatively, existing members may wish to use digital services from late April onwards, which will be able to give you up to date balances. As a last resort, we could arrange to update passbooks at a later date and time for our attending members before posting back, however I am wary of passbooks going amiss in the post.

The decline in branch footfall has not returned to pre pandemic levels and a demand to reinstate opening hours has not been seen, but we are committed to the communities we serve. We are considering complementary options, such as pop-up branches, in addition to digital services which will be available from late April. Pre booked appointments are offered to members between 2pm and 5pm.

We use our members panel to understand the demand for branches. The decision to change branch opening hours (9am – 2pm), was based on information following Covid, but we will consider alternatives. The Society is trying to balance the different needs of stakeholders. A hybrid solution, in addition to considering other alternatives to meet the demands of our members is being considered by your Board.