Community Savings, established in 2001, is a Jersey-based charity committed to promoting financial inclusion.  We provide essential financial services, including basic accounts, grants, and loans to the island’s financially excluded residents.  Our aim is to promote financial inclusion in Jersey by providing free and confidential services, guidance, and practical assistance to those most in need.  We are the sole charitable provider of these vital services in Jersey.

As we embark on an exciting journey following our recent rebrand and launch of a new strategic plan, we are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Chief Executive Officer to lead our organisation into the future.

Role Overview:

As the Chief Executive Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Community Savings.  Your leadership, strategic acumen, and dedication will ensure that we are able to sustainably serve our community during these challenging economic times.  You will lead a small, dedicated team and work closely with volunteers to deliver on our mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• – Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the organisation’s strategic plan to achieve agreed outcomes.
• – Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery
• – Board Engagement: Attend quarterly board meetings and collaborate with the board to drive our mission forward.
• – Team Building: Recruit and retain colleagues and volunteers, fostering a culture of engagement motivation and collaboration.
• – Financial Oversight: Ensure prudent financial management, including budgetary control and sustainable income streams.
• – Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with external partners, auditors, regulators, and service providers to ensure continuity and resilience.
• – Compliance: Uphold a robust framework for compliance with AML/CFT legislation and all relevant policies and procedures.
• – Fundraising: Develop and manage fundraising initiatives to meet annual funding requirements, including grant management.
• – Community Engagement: Act as the public face of our organisation, representing us at external events and liaising with stakeholders, including the JFSC.
• – Reporting: Periodically report to the board on all relevant matters, including ad hoc reports as needed.
• – Deputy Role: Serve as the Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer (DMLRO).

Qualifications:

While experience in the charitable industry is preferred, it is not mandatory.  We are seeking a leadership professional with exceptional communication skills and a genuine passion for advancing our charity’s mission.  Candidates with backgrounds in financial services, the third sector, or leadership will have an advantage.

Working Hours:

This is a part-time position (hours to be agreed), with flexibility, including the option for some remote work.  Our usual working hours are Tuesday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm.

How to Apply:

If you are enthusiastic about making a meaningful impact in our community and leading our organisation through its next phase of growth, please submit your CV to Paul Brookes, Chairman, at paul.brookes@communitysavings.org.je or call 07797 771972.  Expressions of interest should be received by close of business on Wednesday October 25, 2023.

In an era dominated by digital transformation and the proliferation of contactless payment options, it might come as a surprise that cash payments are making a resurgence. Recent reports indicate a significant shift in consumer preferences and payment habits, with cash payments experiencing a rise in popularity. In this article, we will explore the evolving landscape of payment methods, highlighting the resurgence of cash payments and the continued prominence of debit cards.

Cash Payments on the Rise

As the world becomes increasingly cashless, it is noteworthy that cash payments are on the rise. According to recent data, a growing number of people are opting for cash as a means to manage their budgets effectively and maintain financial discipline. The resurgence of cash payments can be attributed to several key factors.

Firstly, some individuals find it easier to manage their spending when using physical cash. With cash in hand, it’s easier to gauge how much money is being spent and how much remains, making it a practical tool for budgeting. This tactile approach to finance is particularly appealing to those who prefer a tangible connection to their money.

Secondly, concerns about privacy and data security have prompted some consumers to revisit cash as a viable payment option. In an age where digital transactions can leave behind comprehensive digital trails, cash transactions present a sense of security that resonates with individuals concerned about data security risks.

Additionally, cash is universally accepted and requires no special equipment or technology to use. This makes it accessible to a wide range of individuals, including those who may not have access to digital payment methods or those who prefer not to use them.

Debit Cards Maintain Their Dominance

While cash payments are experiencing a revival, debit cards continue to dominate the payment landscape. Recent statistics show that approximately half of all payments in the country are made using debit cards. This enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors.

First and foremost, debit cards offer convenience and versatility. They can be used for in-person and online transactions, providing a seamless payment experience. The widespread acceptance of debit cards by retailers and businesses further contributes to their popularity.

Moreover, debit cards are closely integrated with banking services, allowing users to monitor their transactions easily, track spending, and manage their finances digitally. This level of control appeals to individuals seeking a modern, technology-driven approach to money management.

The contactless feature of debit cards has also played a significant role in their continued prominence. Contactless payments have become the preferred method for many due to their speed and ease of use. As the contactless payment limit has increased over the years, more transactions can be completed without the need for a PIN, further enhancing the convenience of debit cards.

Conclusion

The evolving landscape of payment methods reflects the diverse preferences and needs of consumers. While digital payment options continue to advance, cash payments are experiencing a resurgence driven by individuals seeking effective budget management, privacy, and accessibility.

Debit cards, on the other hand, maintain their dominance due to their convenience, versatility, and integration with modern banking services. Their contactless capabilities have also contributed to their popularity, making them a preferred choice for many.

As the payment landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for financial institutions, businesses, and policymakers to adapt to these changing consumer preferences. Striking a balance between traditional payment methods like cash and the convenience of digital options will be crucial to meeting the diverse needs of the population in the years to come.

Additionally, it is imperative that we emphasise the significance of retaining a cash system, especially for individuals who rely on cash payments. As the saying goes, “Cash is king,” and this age-old payment method continues to play a vital role in ensuring financial accessibility for a diverse range of people. We must remain committed to this cause to prevent disenfranchisement and uphold the principles of accessibility, thereby fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem that accommodates the needs of all individuals.

Community Savings, a charitable organisation dedicated to helping individuals experiencing financial difficulties, has partnered with Accomplish, a leading fintech solutions provider, to launch a card product that promotes financial inclusivity and accessibility. This initiative was facilitated through the introduction of Digital Jersey, a key enabler in the collaboration between the two organisations.

Community Savings’ mission to foster financial inclusion aligns seamlessly with Accomplish’s expertise in crafting innovative financial solutions. Together, they have unveiled a bespoke card product that empowers those who would otherwise be excluded from obtaining a traditional bank account.

As part of its commitment to the local community, Community Savings provides essential services such as budgeting advice, financial mentoring, and emergency funding through loans and grants. The organisation’s Managing Director, Steve Eldred, commented on the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this collaboration with Accomplish and to have successfully devised a transformative solution tailored to the needs of our valued members who seek the ease of access offered by the Community Savings card. Accomplish has truly demonstrated their prowess as ideal partners, seamlessly aligning their card service with our fundamental basic account offering. Through this synergy, our customers have not only regained a sense of financial equilibrium but have also reclaimed the sense of normalcy that is often taken for granted. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to empowering individuals to surmount financial challenges and underscores the immense positive impact that can be achieved through strategic cooperation.”

Accomplish’s CEO, Paul Smith, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the collaboration’s significance: “Accomplish is proud to support Community Savings and its customers by offering a bespoke card product that enables Community Savings to further its valuable work in providing financial inclusivity and accessibility services to the local community. Working with Mastercard and Digital Jersey, the States and the JFSC, and our effective collaboration with the fantastic team at Community Savings, enabled us to design, set up and deploy this card programme in just a few weeks, ensuring that customers of Community Savings can enjoy the use of a Mastercard for their everyday spending needs.”

This innovative solution emerged as a response to the unexpected withdrawal of services from an existing card provider, underscoring Accomplish’s agility and commitment to swiftly address critical financial challenges. The speed-to-market demonstrated by Accomplish showcases their dedication to meeting the evolving needs of their partners and customers.

Digital Jersey’s existing MoU with Mastercard meant they were quickly able to identify Accomplish, whose product runs on the Mastercard payment rails, as a suitable new partner for the scheme, and to facilitate an introduction to Community Savings. This connection has paved the way for a successful partnership, delivering a truly first class solution and providing valuable support for over 350 Community Savings customers.

The collaboration between Community Savings and Accomplish embodies the power of innovative thinking, strategic collaboration, and a shared commitment to fostering financial inclusion. Through this partnership, both organisations aim to empower individuals, restore financial stability, and create a brighter future for the local community.

Join us for our inaugural charity golf day on Wednesday 4th October at Les Ormes Golf Club.

£125 per person to include lunch, or £75 per person if you would like to join us for lunch only.

44 Players. 18 Holes.

Fundraising Raffle & Auction.

Contact Paul Brookes at paul.brookes@communitysavings.org.je for further information or to reserve your place.

We would love to see you there!

We are looking to increase our team! Are you enthusiastic, caring and have some experience of financial services?  If so, we are looking for new volunteers to support the charity’s front-line work.

Volunteers will assist the team in providing support for its counter service and in general office administration.  Our service users can access basic account services through us and our counter service allows them to ‘drop in’ to discuss their account, provide instructions and access our broader services such as emergency funding and budgeting advice.

We operate 4 mornings a week, Tuesday to Friday, and we are ideally looking for someone that can give a minimum of one morning per week, preferably Wednesday to begin with.

Applicants should be committed, non-judgemental and professional with good communication skills and possessing a desire for joining our friendly and passionate team.

Should you be interested in this volunteer role please contact Lisa Lidbury with your CV at lisa.lidbury@communitysavings.org.je or call 737555.

With a background of 22 years in Compliance within the finance industry, Mandy recently joined Community Savings as the Money Laundering Compliance Officer. Her Compliance experience has covered Private Banking, Investment, Trust Company, and Fund Services Businesses, mainly specialising in Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financial Crime.

Shortly after, Claire joined the team on a part-time basis having previously ran an event management business and is now running a business in health and well-being when she isn’t working for the charity.  She brings with her a wealth of experience in event management, marketing and business development.

Steve Eldred, Managing Director of Community Savings, commented: “We are delighted to welcome both Mandy & Claire to the team and are confident that the charity will benefit significantly from the extensive experience and expertise that they both bring to their individual roles.

Mandy’s role is central to what we do here at Community Savings.  She will assist the Board in ensuring that the organisation fulfils its anti-money laundering regulatory obligations and is kept up to date with regulatory developments.

Like any charitable organisation, our operations depend greatly on the kindness and support of individuals and businesses.  Their generosity enables us to sustain our services for Jersey residents facing financial challenges.  Claire’s addition to our team is invaluable.  Not only will she contribute to achieving our fundraising goals, but she will also establish connections with external parties, ensuring their awareness of our services.  This way, they can effectively relay this crucial information to any Islanders who may require our assistance.”

Mandy commented: “It’s a pleasure to work for the charity to ensure we are upholding, implementing and complying with all anti-money laundering policies, procedures and regulations.”

Claire said: “I am delighted to be a part of the team at Community Savings, and to work on developing the awareness of the charity which provides such an essential service to our community in Jersey.”

During National Volunteers Week, 1st-7th June, a message of gratitude and thanks to all of our volunteers. Thank you for your dedicated support and for choosing to be a part of our journey.

April 2023 – Community Savings are delighted to announce they have achieved their Cyber Essentials Certificate of Assurance

March 2023 – Community Savings are delighted to launch a new mobile app to help members manage their money more effectively – see below for the press release:

Local charity Community Savings has launched an app that helps its Members stay in control of their finances. The app offers a simple online interface allowing its Members to view balances and transactions, undertake transfers between their accounts and access news and useful information to help them budget and manage their finances more effectively. 

Steve Eldred, Managing Director of Community Savings, explained, “We’ve received a lot of feedback from our Members, who have explained that it can be quite time-consuming to manage their money using our current protocol. For example, they must call or email us whenever they want to query their balance or a transaction or request  a transfer.” 

A Member from the Charity recently said, “I’d often be on my phone up in the middle of the night, working out how much I’d need for whatever was next, and I’d have to go through the process of composing an email, which could take a weary 10 minutes and a lot of effort sometimes.” 

“Thanks to the new application, our Members can now easily access their accounts to view their balances and check recent transactions at the touch of a button,” added Steve. 

Funding and support for the application were donated by local financial adviser and investment management firm, SaSo Strategic Advisers. Their CEO, Meeku Patidar, was incredibly keen to support this initiative as he understands the value of technology in helping people manage their money.  

“We are delighted and proud to be able to support such a worthwhile initiative for those that need it most. SaSo Strategic Advisers is centred around providing technology to its clients by offering them a portal. It allows them to self-serve and see the performance of their financial plans. It is great that we can support a similar initiative for Community Savings in the current environment. We hope its Members find the portal helps them manage their money more easily. 

Steve Eldred added, “We are hugely grateful to the SaSo Strategic Advisers team for their support in funding the costs of this online tool.  Whilst we remain conscious of those needing our close support with their finances, particularly during these current times of economic challenge, some of our Members seek the convenience an online tool provides.  This will equip them with real-time information to enhance their budgeting capabilities.” 

February 2023 – we currently have a vacancy at Community Savings. We are recruiting for a Fundraising & Communications Officer. This is a part-time role, involving 16 hours a week. For further details, please see our LinkedIn or Facebook pages: https://www.linkedin.com/company/community-savings-jersey/ AND https://www.facebook.com/communitysavingsjersey