News

Community Savings, the island’s only charity dedicated to promoting financial inclusion is delighted to announce that the recently appointed Bailiff, Robert MacRae, KC, has kindly agreed to succeed his predecessor Sir Timothy Le Cocq as the charity’s Patron.

This appointment comes at a pivotal time as Community Savings continues to expand its services and support to Islanders seeking financial inclusion. The Bailiff’s leadership and commitment to public service are expected to bring renewed energy and visibility to the charity’s work.

Bailiff Robert MacRae, KC said:“It is a privilege to continue the vital work of my predecessor in supporting Community Savings. The charity plays a crucial role in helping Islanders access mainstream banking services, and I am proud to lend my support as Patron.”

Community Savings Chief Executive, Stephen Reilly, welcomed the appointment, stating:
“The Bailiff’s endorsement is not only a tremendous honour but also a signal of confidence in our mission. His role as Patron will help us reach more members of the community, raise awareness of our services, and strengthen our initiatives towards financial inclusion.”

Founded in 1997, Community Savings has a long-standing commitment to support individuals and families across Jersey access mainstream banking services and provide emergency interest free loans and grants. As Patron, theBailiff will help champion these efforts, ensuring that the charity continues to thrive and positively impact the community.

Community Savings is calling attention to the growing issue of financial exclusion in Jersey, where many individuals remain without access to basic banking services, a situation that can severely limit independence, stability and opportunity.

While banking is often taken for granted, a significant number of islanders are unable to open or maintain a mainstream bank account. This may be due to changing life circumstances such as redundancy, ill health, bereavement, relationship breakdown, homelessness or previous financial difficulties. Without access to basic financial services, people can struggle to receive income, pay bills, save money or plan for the future.

Community Savings exists to address this gap.

Who Are Community Savings

Community Savings is a Jersey-based charity dedicated to promoting financial inclusion by providing practical financial services, guidance and support to those most in need. The organisation was established following initiatives aimed at tackling poverty and financial exclusion and has spent decades helping islanders gain access to essential financial tools many others rely on every day.

The charity provides free, confidential assistance and offers services designed specifically for people who may have been excluded from mainstream banking, including those who have been unable to open a traditional account elsewhere.

What Services Do Community Savings Provide to Islanders

Community Savings provides a range of services that help people regain control of their finances and build long-term financial stability, including:

• Basic account facilities for everyday money management
• Savings accounts to help individuals build financial resilience
• Budgeting support and financial mentoring
• Emergency funding through interest-free loans and grants
• Practical help accessing mainstream banking where possible

Accounts are designed to be simple and supportive, helping people manage money safely and avoid debt or unnecessary charges.

The charity also works closely with individuals facing significant financial hardship, including those rebuilding their lives after crisis, offering personalised support and guidance to help them move forward with confidence.

Why Financial Inclusion Matters

Access to basic financial services is fundamental to full participation in modern society. Without it, individuals may face barriers to employment, housing and everyday transactions, increasing vulnerability and isolation.

Community Savings’ mission is to ensure that no one in Jersey is excluded from the financial system simply because of their circumstances. By providing accessible accounts, education and emergency support, the charity helps people build independence, stability and dignity.

Community Impact

Over the years, Community Savings has supported thousands of islanders experiencing financial difficulty, providing not just financial services but also reassurance, guidance and a pathway to recovery.

Its work is supported by donations, grants and partnerships with local organisations, reflecting the shared recognition that financial inclusion strengthens the entire community.

A Call to Action

Community Savings is encouraging greater awareness of financial exclusion and the challenges faced by unbanked individuals in Jersey. The charity invites residents, businesses and organisations to support its work, whether by spreading awareness, making referrals or contributing to its ongoing mission. Ensuring access to basic financial services is not just a financial issue, it is a community issue. By working together, Jersey can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in society and build a more secure future.

Are you an experienced finance professional interested in an opportunity to contributing your skills to support a local charity? We are seeking a qualified and experienced accountant to assist with the financial production and oversight of our monthly management accounts and annual financial statements.

In this volunteer role, you will be responsible for:

• – Reviewing the accounting ledgers (maintained by a staff member) on a monthly basis
• – Reviewing bank reconciliations and posting any month-end adjustments
• – Reconciling salary payments to the General Payroll System
• – Preparing monthly management accounts
• – Preparing annual financial statements

This role requires an estimated commitment of 2–3 hours per month, with an additional 10–14 hours expected at year end for accounts preparation.

We are looking for someone who is reliable, detail-oriented and committed to maintaining accurate financial records. Experience with bookkeeping, financial reporting or accounting systems is essential.

If you’re interested in contributing your expertise to support our organisation, please contact Soo Burn with your CV at soo.burn@communitysavings.org.je or call 01534 737555.

Sunshine, sportsmanship and a shared commitment to financial inclusion made for a memorable day as Community Savings hosted its 3rd Annual Fundraising Golf Day at Les Ormes earlier this month.

The event brought together golfers, volunteers and supporters from across the island, all uniting behind Community Savings’ mission to ensure that no islander is excluded from essential banking services and that everyone has access to financial guidance and emergency funding when needed no matter their circumstances or background.

“It was inspiring to see the community come together on the course, not just to enjoy a game of golf but to stand behind our vision of financial inclusion,” said Paul Brookes, Non-Executive Chairman. “Events like this truly make a difference in helping us provide vital support to islanders who may otherwise fall through the cracks.”

Celebrating the Winners

The day was filled with friendly competition with some impressive performances:

• Overall Winners: David Ramasawmy & Martin Magee
• Longest Drive: Matt Hague
• Nearest the Pin: Nick Durbano

Community Support and Sponsorship

The excitement was heightened by the Hole-in-One competition, generously sponsored by Integritas Wealth Partners and ATF Fuels Jersey. Community Savings also extended heartfelt thanks to its main supporter, Coutts Crown Dependencies, whose commitment helps ensure the success of fundraising initiatives like this.

Every Swing Makes a Difference

All proceeds from the day will go directly towards Community Savings’ work on the island. The charity provides access to basic bank accounts, emergency financial support through grants and interest free loans, and one-to-one budgeting advice for individuals facing financial hardship.

From participants and sponsors to volunteers and supporters, every contribution helps move the island closer to a future where financial exclusion is eliminated.

Community Savings is delighted to announce that its annual Charity Golf Fundraiser at Les Ormes Golf Club, this year taking placeon Thursday 2nd October, is officially sold out. With 44 players across 11 teams, the event promises to be a standout day of sport, networking and fundraising, all in support of financial inclusion in our island community.

Although all player spaces have been filled, there is still a unique opportunity for a business to become the Headline Sponsor and receive high-impact visibility. Sponsorship is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to corporate social responsibility. By aligning with Community Savings, your organisation will help support vulnerable individuals facing financial hardship, while boosting brand reputation, stakeholder confidence and staff pride.

Benefits for the Headline Sponsor include exclusive naming rights, logo placement, media and PR mentions, a complimentary team of four and the opportunity to speak at the event, alongside valuable networking with high level business leaders in the local community.

“This event is about more than just golf, it’s about creating support for people in our community who are struggling financially,” said Paul Brookes, Non-Executive Chairman of Community Savings. “We are thrilled with the response, and we hope a forward-thinking business will step in as Headline Sponsor to help us maximise the impact we can make together.”

For sponsorship enquiries, please contact:
Paul Brookes
Non-Executive Chairman
📧 paul.brookes@communitysavings.org.je

Community Savings are proud to announce it has been awarded a grant of £30,000 per annum for three years by the Association of Jersey Charities, with funding for the first year provided from profits of the CI Lottery.

This significant funding will support the staff costs of two vital roles within the charity, our Executive Officer and our Money Laundering Compliance / Reporting Officer (MLCO / MLRO). The investment represents a crucial contribution to our core capacity, enabling us to continue fulfilling our mission with strengthened governance, operational efficiency and compliance oversight.

“These roles are pivotal in ensuring that we meet our regulatory obligations and uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency,” said CEO, Stephen Reilly. “The grant from the Association of Jersey Charities ensure Community Savings can continue to focus fully on delivering impactful outcomes for the community we serve.”

Community Savings extends sincere thanks to the Association of Jersey Charities for recognising the importance of robust organisational infrastructure and for providing the financial support necessary to sustain these key positions.

“This commitment reflects not only an investment in our team but in the future of the services we provide and the people we support,” added Stephen Reilly. “We are deeply grateful for this partnership.”

Are you a team player who enjoys helping others? We are seeking individuals with experience in financial administration or personal banking to join us.

As a cashier volunteer, you will assist our members with administrative tasks such as handling day-to-day forms, preparing cheques for encashment, setting up standing orders, processing change of address requests, and managing one-off payments. Additionally, you’ll help members with account-related queries.

Our services operate four mornings a week, from Tuesday to Friday, and we ask for a commitment of at least one morning per week from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

We value volunteers who are dedicated, non-judgemental, professional, and possess strong communication skills.

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

Community Savings is shining a light on the growing need for financial support across the island, following the award of two vital grants from Jersey Community Foundation that are helping the charity provide practical help to individuals and families facing financial hardship.

A grant of £10,000 awarded earlier this spring through the grant for grants Community Grant, supported by Jersey Community Foundation, is directly helping islanders in crisis. The funding is being used to provide essential items such as white goods and school clothing – basic necessities that many in the community are struggling to afford. These items, though often overlooked, are critical in restoring dignity, stability, and wellbeing to people navigating challenging times.

In addition, a three-year grant of £30,000 per year from The Jersey Community Foundation, awarded at the end of last year with funds from Dormant Bank Accounts, is enabling Community Savings to strengthen its capacity to deliver vital services. The grant is being used to fund the salaries of two key administrative roles – which are essential to the day-to-day functioning and expansion of the charity’s support services.

“These grants come at a time of rising demand and limited options for those we support,” said Stephen Reilly, CEO at Community Savings. “They are not just investments in our charity – they are investments in the lives of people across Jersey who are facing very real hardship. Whether it’s a fridge, a bed, or a school uniform, the help we provide is making a tangible difference.”

Community Savings continues to see a steady increase in individuals turning to the charity for help, often due to sudden financial shocks, unemployment, health issues, or systemic barriers. With the support of the Jersey Community Foundation, the charity is better equipped to meet this growing need with compassion, professionalism, and practical solutions.

“We hope this funding not only helps us deliver these vital services, but also raises wider awareness of the very real and often hidden struggles many islanders are facing,” added Stephen Reilly. “Our aim is to ensure no one in Jersey is left without the basic tools to live with dignity.”

For more information on the work of Community Savings or to get involved, please visit www.communitysavings.org.je