UPSKILLING THROUGH SYNERGY CREDIT UNION
Volunteering with Synergy Credit Union in Fermoy was an easy decision for local, Mairead Clancy.
“I worked there in 1998 and I got an awful grá for the place. It always stuck with me, it’s all about promoting the financial wellbeing of the members,” Mariead informed The Avondhu.
At the 2018 AGM, Mairead was elected to the board of directors and hasn’t looked back since. She now sits on the board, as well as three committees, one of which she is chair of.
The Synergy Credit Union, Fermoy, has continued to grow and according to Mairead this is a driving factor.
“The leading and directing of big projects is very exciting. The Synergy Credit Union is now worth €100 million in assets and you’re making decisions to impact that. That opportunity doesn’t come very often,” she said.
Through Synergy Credit Union, Mairead, along with many other volunteers, have managed to expand on their CVs and broaden their horizons through upskilling and undertaking courses.
Last year, Mairead graduated from LIA (Life Insurance Association) and received a certificate in Professional Governance and Risk for Credit Unions.
“We’re constantly upskilling, Synergy really does encourage us to broaden our horizons,” she added.
Other courses in Accounting, Ethics, Data Protection and even Money Laundering are offered to volunteers.
While business, boards and committees are a large part of volunteering with the credit union, it’s not the only benefit for those who come on board.
“It’s fantastic for networking and it’s great for making new friends, the social side is just as important,” Mairead concluded.