At our AGM on 26th January, we were proud to present the Graham Southhall Award to our outgoing board chair, David Fawell. This meeting marked David’s final AGM as chair. Having completed his third and final term, David is stepping down in line with the credit union’s term limit rules, bringing nine years of exceptional voluntary leadership to a close.
The Graham Southhall Award is named after our founding secretary and recognises outstanding voluntary service and commitment to the credit union movement. David’s contribution over the past nine years is a fitting reflection of that legacy.
As a volunteer chair, David has given his time, energy and expertise with unwavering commitment. His steady guidance has helped carry the credit union through a period of significant challenge and change, including the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and major regulatory reform. Throughout this time, his focus remained firmly on doing the right thing for members.
Under David’s stewardship, our membership has grown significantly and we now lend to more than 2,000 people every year, strengthening our impact and helping more individuals and families build financial resilience. He also played a key role in modernising our digital services, including the development of our new brand and website.
David also provided valuable leadership during our first merger discussions, guiding the board with sound judgement and a clear focus on what would best serve our members, now and in the future.
As our founding director, Chris Smith, reflected in words shared at the AGM, David’s knowledge, patience and passion for fairness and ethical lending have left a lasting mark on the organisation. David’s contribution has shaped the credit union we are today and leaves us well placed for what comes next. We are hugely grateful for his service and proud to recognise it with the Graham Southhall Award.
