Meet the team: Nikola and Nathan

Tuesday 02nd Mar, 2021

Here, we hear how Members Services Assistant, Nikola Hope - who has been with us for four years - has found the past year:

Since the pandemic hit, our staff have been working hard to keep Unify Credit Union services running and to support our members during this challenging time to keep control of their money matters with affordable loans and easy ways to save. 

Here, we hear from Member Services Assistant Nikola, and Loans Officer, Nathan:

 

Nikola: 

How has your role been affected by the pandemic?

 

 My role has stayed much the same, however, I have had to move branches as we are all working from the Wigan branch during the pandemic. We have changed some of our procedures to allow for changes due to the pandemic. We have been using our online services more, meaning we have had to adapt and provide loans via e signature rather than members coming into the branch to sign paperwork. 

 

How has Unify adapted to support members during this time? 

Unify have managed to still provide the same services but have had to adapt to use more online and telephone services. We have expanded our online services to allow new members to apply for loans online instead of needing to attend numerous appointments, reducing the contact between staff and members. We have tried to make the process as easy as possible including providing bank statements via the open banking link meaning members do not need to go into their bank branch to obtain them. As we haven't had our branches open to the public, we have made sure we are available online, via telephone and via email to ensure we can still provide the same level of service.

 

Have you learned anything about members, the Unify team or yourself during this challenging time?

I have learnt that we are able to adapt our services to suit members’ needs. Our members have adapted really well to the new systems put in place and have managed to access services as they would normally during this time. As a team I feel we have supported each other through this time, keeping each other upbeat during hard times. 

 

What advice would you give to members to manage their money in 2021?

I would advise members use this time to get their finances in order. They should check their credit reports via the free websites to ensure they are up to date with no mistakes. If they have the ability to put some savings to one side for any future times, or pay off some debts then they should do if they have some spare money. Writing a list of income and bills is always a good idea as they may find they are paying too much for some services or paying for services which they no longer use, which is money they could be saving. 

Since the pandemic hit, our staff have been working hard to keep Unify Credit Union services running and to support our members during this challenging time to keep control of their money matters with affordable loans and easy ways to save.

 

Nathan:  

How has your role been affected by the pandemic?

Not much change other than the varied consistency of loan applications and the flexible rota we currently work on.

 

How has Unify adapted to support members during this time?

By ensuring that all aspects of the business that would usually be done in branch can be accessed online or by other means.

  

What advice would you give to members to manage their money in 2021?

Be sensible, and try to save what would usually be spent on going out, when they can.

Don’t gamble due to boredom as it can quickly have a negative impact on your finances without even realising.

 

There are places to access support if you are concerned about your gambling. Please visit https://www.begambleaware.org/ for more information.

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