35 Year Anniversary

Anniversary Celebration

This year marks 35 years of the Scottish Universities Community Bank supporting staff, students, graduates and their families across Scotland’s universities and colleges. From our beginnings in 1991, we have grown into an institution you can trust and built a community you can rely on.  

This milestone would not have been possible without you. Your trust, loyalty and support have shaped our journey and strengthened our community. 

In this edition, we reflect on our history, celebrate key moments, and look ahead to the future we continue to build together. 

From the Desk of the CEO

As you reflect on SUCB’s 35-year journey, what stands out to you most about the organisation and its impact? 

Whilst I have only played a small part in the credit union’s 35-year journey, I can see the dedication and impact of its founding members and current board members. For its size, the credit union and the people involved aim to go above and beyond for its members, treating them like family on occasion. 

Having recently joined SUCB, what has impressed you most about the organisation, its people, and its values? 

The credit union is really in touch with its members. Carol has a fantastic relationship with our members across the country and is able to connect with them in ways other financial institutions can’t. 

What do you believe has allowed SUCB to remain successful and continue supporting members over the past 35 years? 

The credit union has focused on being content with what it does and who it supports; these factors have helped it remain within the education community for over 3 decades. 

SUCB’s journey has been shaped by members, staff, volunteers, and the Board. What would you like to say to the people who have contributed to SUCB’s story? 

Thank you for building a meaningful and impactful organisation. 

What qualities or values do you see in the SUCB team that make the organisation special? 

The ability to listen to members, support their needs, connect with them on a human level, offer more than one solution to their problems, and their enjoyment in helping members. 

What are you most excited about as SUCB moves into its next chapter? 

I am excited about how the credit union aims to tackle the changing needs of our membership. We are trying to provide better digital services, expand our product offerings and partner with service providers to better support our members lives outside of the credit union. 

What is your commitment to SUCB, its members, and the wider community moving forward? 

To treat every member with respect, support and compassion. We aim to help as many members as we can in a positive way. 

Looking ahead to the next 35 years, what would you like SUCB to be known for? 

I would like the credit union to be known for providing support to its members no matter how big or small their need is, to be innovative in its service while providing a human-centric approach to member support. 

Complete this sentence: ”The future of SUCB is..” 

The future of SUCB is built on its members and for its future ones. 

Our Journey

Our Board

From 1991 to today, 37 directors have generously given their time, expertise and leadership to build the credit union we are today.

Our current board members: 

“SUCB is a fair, community, cooperative organisation that has community at heart” - Morag Cherry (Director)

“SUCB has helped people save and borrow responsibly. Allowed people to get out of tricky financial situations through loans (of all sizes).” - Phil Rowsby (Director)

What you say about SUCB 

At the heart of SUCB, our story would not be complete without recognising Carol, whose dedication, kindness and support have been central to SUCB for the past 15 years. 

For many members, she is the first point of contact and a constant source of help. Her warmth, guidance and professionalism are frequently praised. 

Here are just a few comments we’ve received:

 “Carol is an asset to SUCB.” 

“Thank you to the management team, and in particular to Carol.” 

“I’ve been a member for over 10 years, largely due to Carol. So thoughtful and helpful.” 

As Carol reflects on her 15 years with SUCB, her story highlights our continued commitment to care and compassion. 

“Since I started at SUCB in 2011, 15 years ago, I’ve seen the credit union grow and adapt in so many ways. When I first started, everything was very much paper-based, which was time-consuming. Today, we now have technology that allows members to take control and do everything online on our website or on our Mobile App.

We now have a much stronger focus on digital banking and regulatory compliance, but one thing has never changed, our commitment to supporting our members. We remain approachable, friendly, and always happy to help, whether that’s answering a question, offering guidance, or simply being there when our members need us. That personal service and sense of community have always been at the heart of SUCB, and I’m proud that it continues to define who we are today.”

What you say about Carol