New app gives 'fingertip' access to the credit union

Norwich Credit Union has developed a new mobile phone app to support the increasing numbers of people using its online services.

Individuals can now interact directly with the credit union from their smartphone. As long as they have access to WiFi or 4G, they can use the app to manage their credit union account, get information about opening times etc, apply for membership or offer their services as a volunteer.

Jon Warne, president of Norwich Credit Union, says:

"The new mobile phone app makes us visible at all times. It raises our profile and helps us stay closer to our members, who are always just a ‘fingertip’ away."

"Our credit union is run by volunteers with limited resources. We’re finding that more and more people are engaging with us online. The new app increases the ways that members can communicate with us, and hopefully will help us reach more potential new members in Norfolk."

The new Norwich Credit Union app was developed on behalf of the credit union by Community IT Services CIC (CITS), a new community interest company committed to bridging the digital divide in Norfolk. Karen Downer, Community Liaison Manager for CITS, explains:

"We started developing the app for the credit union in August 2018. There were several challenges to overcome, mainly relating to integration with the online banking system."

Testing of the apps was particularly interesting, as we opened this up to the Norwich Credit Union members. With their feedback we were able to identify the features that were most requested for the apps."

The new Norwich Credit Union app is available now on Google Android smartphones and iPhones from their respective app stores.

As a volunteer-run financial co-operative, it is not possible for us to man phones at all times during the day, therefore our line opening times are as outlined below. At all other times please email or leave a message on 01603 764904. We will try to respond to any emails or messages we receive before 2pm on the same day.

Line opening times:

Monday to Friday: 10:00-14:15

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Christmas Club Rules

The Christmas club is open any members or new member to save all year round.

Members must begin with and maintain a share balance of at least £5 and remain in credit throughout the duration of the Christmas Club. This does not apply to members with Family Loans. Monies saved in the Christmas club from previous years and not withdrawn can be rolled over into the current year. Christmas club savings can be used as collateral against a loan subject to our Saver Loan terms and conditions.

Any member who has joined the scheme before 31st August and has saved at least £50 by 25th October will be entered into the prize draw. First prize £250, second prize £150.

The winners will be expected to take part in a social media promotional campaign, media interviews etc.

Member Services Officer

The number of members we have is growing and we want to employ additional staff to give the best service we can to our members.

There are 3 part-time posts - each at 12.5 hours per week. Salary is £15 per hour.

This job is to:

You need to be confident in dealing with people and have good written and verbal communication skills. It is essential that you are numerate, have experience of using IT systems and the ability to follow agreed policy and procedures.

These jobs will be based at our Offices in Pottergate, Norwich over 3 days/week. (Some flexibility in working arrangements after the initial training may be negotiated.)

After initial training there may be opportunity to take on other, more specialised tasks.

To apply please send a CV to office@norwichcreditunion.org.uk by Friday 5 April 2024. References will be required at a later stage. If you would like an informal chat about the role before applying, please email us.

Thanks to Stop Loan Sharks (England Illegal Money Lending Team), we’re announcing an exciting offer for NEW MEMBERS!

Simply put £25-SLS in the "Promotion Code" section of our Join Online form. Terms and conditions apply – see below.

Only 50 people can qualify for this offer. So hurry - sign up today, or tell friends and family if you’re already a member!

Contact the office if you have any questions.

What is Stop Loan Sharks?

Stop Loan Sharks (England Illegal Money Lending Team) investigate and prosecute illegal lenders or loan sharks. A loan shark is someone who lends money as a business without the legal authorisation required by the Financial Services and Markets Act. They rarely give any paperwork and if repayments are missed they often use violence and intimidation to get their money back.

When loan sharks are convicted, Stop Loan Sharks look to seize their assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act. A small proportion of the money generated from these assets can be used to fund education and crime prevention initiatives, such as this Norwich Credit Union membership incentive scheme.

£25 voucher - terms and conditions