Credit Union Foundation Celebrates a Decade of CU Futures with Latest Graduation

18/09/2026

The Credit Union Foundation celebrated the latest cohort of CU Futures graduates at a special graduation ceremony at the All Together Money Conference on Saturday 12 September, marking a decade of the Foundation’s flagship leadership development programme.

The graduation brought together graduates, alumni, credit union leaders, supporters and partners to recognise the achievements of this year’s cohort and celebrate the contribution of CU Futures to the wider credit union movement.

The event was particularly significant as the Credit Union Foundation celebrates 25 years since its formation, while CU Futures reaches its own 10-year milestone.

Since CU Futures was launched in 2016, the programme has supported 109 graduates from more than 50 credit unions, providing participants with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, broaden their knowledge of the movement and build connections with colleagues across the sector.

Speaking at the graduation, Emily Harrison, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Credit Union Foundation, reflected on the programme’s impact over the past decade.

“Ten years ago, CU Futures was launched and has become the foundation’s flagship programme, with 109 graduates from over 50 credit unions taking part.”

Emily also paid tribute to the graduates who have helped make the programme a success, as well as the credit unions that have supported their participation.

“I especially want to thank to all of our graduates – tonight and over the last decade – your hard work, dedication and advocacy for CU Futures is what has made it such a success, and to all the credit unions who have donated and given the time to allow young people to participate – none of this would be possible without you.”

The graduation also provided an opportunity to recognise the long-standing support that has made CU Futures possible. The Foundation thanked the programme’s funders, sponsors, partners and supporters, whose financial contributions, expertise and time have helped create valuable learning and development opportunities for participants over the past ten years.

All Together Money, Chief Executive, Matt Bland said: “As the Credit Union Foundation celebrates 25 years since its formation, there could be no better way to mark that milestone than by supporting another cohort of talented young leaders through this prestigious programme. Their ideas, ambition and commitment will be vital to shaping the future of credit unions across the country.

“The programme is made possible through the support of a range of funders and partners, whose commitment enables us to provide participants with valuable opportunities, experiences and connections that can have a lasting impact on both their careers and the wider movement.”

The Foundation also acknowledged the contribution of those who have supported CU Futures since its launch, including Marshall Boutwell and Peach State Federal Credit Union, the League of Credit Unions & Affiliates in the United State and credit unions across England, Scotland & Wales, whose support has helped the programme provide development opportunities to more than 100 young people.

The Foundation also thanked Liz Barclay for her continued contribution to the programme through her annual media training, as well as the All Together Money team for delivering the CU Futures programme and supporting the graduation as part of this year’s conference.

The Foundation’s work continues to focus on investing in the people, organisations and communities that make up the credit union movement. Alongside CU Futures, its current and future work includes Save and Sound, support for DEEU, the new Leadership and Transformation programme and investment in the Community Development Credit Union (CDCU) scheme.

The graduation therefore represented both a celebration of what CU Futures has achieved over the past decade and a look towards the next generation of leaders who will help shape the movement in the years ahead.

As Emily Harrison said in her speech: “These new initiative show our commitment to the future of the sector.”

The Credit Union Foundation is grateful to all those who have supported its work through funding, sponsorship and donations. This support enables the Foundation to continue investing in people and programmes that can strengthen credit unions and the communities they serve.

The Foundation would also like to thank CMutual for supporting the CU Futures graduation and for its continued support of the programme through learning opportunities and prizes for the winning Futures over a number of years.