The Credit Union is run by a Board of Directors. They set out the strategy for the Credit Union
“I first became a member of the credit union back in 2015 – when a friend told me about all the good work that DCB does – and when I retired from full time work at the end of 2020, I was ready for a new challenge and joined the DCB board in 2021. Having worked in financial services for all my working life, I have a wealth of experience in financial services which I hope to bring to DCB.
If you ever need to reach me, please email me at chair@dcbank.org.uk with your thoughts or concerns.“
“I am a retired qualified Associate Cost and Management Accountant. My career spanned nearly 38 years with a leading UK brewing and pubs company where I held a number of executive roles managing business planning and negotiations. I was appointed finance director of a major division and latterly managing director of its international retail operations.
I was a member of the original steering group that established Money Spider Credit Union Ltd in 2004 and served as Treasurer of the organisation until the merger with Derbyshire Community Bank.”
“I am Philip Fee and joined the board in 2010, my role as a director is to ensure that the Community Bank runs within the framework set by the financial authorities, that our members savings are secure and we provide financial support when needed.
As a board we set the strategy to enable the team to deliver the outcomes which are beneficial for the Bank and our members in line with our common bond.”
“As a founder member of the Broxtowe and Erewash Credit Union Steering Group I became a Director and helped it grow and evolve to become Erewash Credit Union.
I was appointed as Treasurer in 2010 and remain in this role with the Derbyshire Community Bank.
My background is mainly banking and finance and have worked for the DWP and now work for Derby Homes within the Income Team.”
“I am a Labour councillor on Erewash Borough Council representing the Nottingham Road ward in Long Eaton.
I am also chair of governors at Grange Primary school and a member of the Finance committee.
I am currently a husband and stay-at-home dad. I have lived and worked in Ningbo, China for two years and also in Takasago, Japan for two more before that. More recently I worked at the University of Nottingham for 10 years in various administrative and management roles, specialising in Financial Support in Student Services.”
“I have been a member of the Derbyshire Community Bank since 2006 and have always had a great interest in the work and how it helps people to access finance.
I have just completed 9 years as an Employee Director of Central Co-op and 9 years on the Co-operative Group National Members’ Council and also Senate. This has given me a great understanding of how a Co-operative business operates and guide its strategic strategy. I have sat on many committees from Seach (involved in the appointment of Chief Executive and Society Secretary, Rules & Practices and Governance.
I am also a Director of Co-operatives UK, the umbrella organisation for Co-operatives, and Chair of REMCO. I have always advocated co-operative businesses and promote other types of co-operative including credit unions.
I bring a wealth of governance to DCB but I am also a Membership Practitioner working for Central Co-op.
I feel my skills and knowledge will be beneficial to the DCB Board.”
“With over two decades of leadership experience in financial services across operations, collections, debt recovery and strategic transformation, Rich is a dynamic executive dedicated to driving organizational success and innovation. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Oakbrook, Rich has been instrumental in optimizing operational efficiencies and delivering impactful business outcomes. Prior to his current role Rich served as Director of Operations and People, where he led critical initiatives over four and a half years, contributing significantly to Oakbrook’s growth and transformation of the business.
Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, he co-founded The Robot Exchange in 2018, a venture rooted in innovative solutions within the technology space, helping businesses automate their manual processes and enhance operations.
Rich has also held strategic roles at TDX Group for over nearly 13 years, including Director of Operations across UK, Spain and Australia and Head of UK Operations. His expertise extends to consultancy through a seconded role at Salary Finance, where he enhanced collections and recoveries strategies, driving improved debt sale execution.
Academically, Rich holds a degree in Recreation Management from the University of Lincoln (1998-2001), underscoring his foundational skills in management and leadership.
Outside of work Rich enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis and is a (long suffering) Derby County season ticket holder.”
“I work at the Union of Students at the University of Derby as the Democracy and Governance Coordinator. I am also a part time student at the university studying a MSc in Sustainability and Environmental Management.
I have 2 children in primary school and am really looking forward to helping DCB move onwards and upwards.”
