Credit unions and individuals from across the world were recognised for their performance at the Edward Filene and Joe Biden Awards. The presentation and celebratory dinner took place in London on 19 November, which featured a keynote speech from Lord Maurice Glasman.
The entries were judged by two panels, with judges carrying out scoring independently of each other.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lord Glasman stated: “Credit unions have a true message, for the benefit of all people, not being beholden to shareholders, the vital co-operative credit union difference. They should remain true to themselves, not rely on anyone else, including politicians, working together in their communities and being self-reliant”.
The Joe Biden Awards for Development Educators from around the world acknowledge the contribution of active Graduate Development Educators. Their qualifications denote the Development Educator courses of which they are graduates.
This year’s winners were Lilian Ndegwa, ADE, ACDE from Nairobi, Kenya; Teresa Tao, ACDE from Yunnan, China. Dudz Samson of CUDE, PhDE, I-CUDE from the Philippines was the runner-up.
The Edward Filene Awards for Performance Excellence recognise the work of credit unions and practitioners to demonstrate how the sector can be a viable alternative offering financial services in Great Britain and Ireland.
The winners were:
- Winner of the “Beacon” Credit Union Award – Dragonsavers Credit Union Ltd, Treorchy, Wales for fulfilling four key business conduct conditions.
- Joint Winners of the Award for Chief Executive Officer/General Manager of the Year: Sheila Murtagh, DEEU, Chief Executive Officer of Salford Credit Union Ltd, Salford, and Christina Stoneman, ACDE, General Manager of Dragonsavers Credit Union Ltd, Treorchy, Wales
- Award for Juvenile Depositor Schemes in Primary Schools (up to Age 11)
Winner – Prince Bishops Community Bank Ltd, Stanley, Co.Durham
Runner Up – Jubilee Tower Credit Union Ltd, Darwen, Lancs
Highly Commended – Glenamaddy Credit Union Ltd, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway, Ireland
- Award for Achieving Business Growth using its own resources
Winner – Jubilee Tower Credit Union Ltd, Darwen, Lancs
Runner Up – Glenamaddy Credit Union, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway, Ireland
Highly Commended – Prince Bishops Community Bank Ltd, Stanley, Co.Durham
- Award for Trading and Innovation using its own resources or money borrowed from the private sector
Winner – Jubilee Tower Credit Union Ltd, Darwen, Lancs
- Creating legitimate produces and services for owner members to create, accumulate, retain and pass on their wealth
Winner – North East Scotland Credit Union Ltd, Aberdeen
- Award for Engaging in direct Credit Union Advocacy with local/national politicians
Winner – Salford Credit Union Ltd, Salford
Runner Up – Dragonsavers Credit Union Ltd, Treorchy, Wales
- Award for Giving exemplary service in response to telephone enquiries
Winner – Dragonsavers Credit Union Ltd, Treorchy, Wales
- Award for Engaging in Community Mobilisation and Outreach by a Credit Union
Winner – North East Scotland Credit Union Ltd, Aberdeen
Runner Up – Prince Bishops Community Bank Ltd, Stanley, Co.Durham
Highly Commended – Jubilee Tower Credit Union Ltd, Darwen, Lancs
- Award for Dispensing Financial Education to the entire Common Bond
Winner – Prince Bishops Community Bank Ltd, Stanley, Co.Durham
- Award for Fundraising for Good Causes (other than the Credit Union)
Winner – North East Scotland Credit Union Ltd, Aberdeen
- Award for Use of the Media
Joint Winners – Glenamaddy Credit Union Ltd, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway, Ireland
Prince Bishops Community Bank Ltd, Stanley, Co.Durham
Runner Up – Dragonsavers Credit Union Ltd, Treorchy, Wales
- Award for Film Production
Winner Glenamaddy Credit Union Ltd, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway, Ireland
- The Supreme Award – the Edward Filene Award for Social Entrepreneurship (awarded to the Credit Union gaining the highest aggregate points scored by the independent Judges over all categories)
Winner Dragonsavers Credit Union Ltd, Treorchy, Wales – having entered many categories
Runner Up Prince Bishops Community Bank Ltd, Stanley, Co.Durham
