ROCBF's partners

A lot more can be achieved by working in partnership with others. We have a good range of partners who support our aims in achieving a fairer deal for the rural communities of mid Wales. Amongst these include:

The Robert Owen Credit Union was formed in 1994 and gives its members instant access to low interest rate loans and savings accounts. It has branch offices ("collection points") in Newtown, Llanidloes, Machynlleth and Welshpool. It is a savings and loans co-operative, owned and managed by its members. The Robert Owen Credit Union is a leading partner with ROCBF in the Robert Owen Community Banking Partnership, although other credit unions will also have an essential role for the delivery of services outside Montgomeryshire.

Rebuilding Society Network is an Industrial and Provident Society for community benefit. It was formed as a community development finance institution to focus on solutions to financial exclusion through the Community Banking Partnership approach. RSN is the third key partner in the Robert Owen Community Banking Partnership and will focus on technical assistance, back office services, and investment and lending.

Powys County Council has joined the partnership to offer small scale home repair or improvement loans to Powys residents. The Council has initially invested £50,000 from housing renewal capital in the scheme, to be managed by ROCBF and drawing on the Credit Union's experience of granting and managing loans. The Council has also set up a Payroll Deduction Scheme for its employees, allowing them to make savings and loan payments directly from their salaries to the Credit Union.

The Welsh Assembly Government is supporting the development of the Banking Partnership through the granting of £100,000 over three years to pay for the establishment of office facilities and the salary of a part time manager and development worker.

The National Association of Credit Union Workers is the professional association for credit union workers and volunteers in Britain. It provides a forum for the exchange of information, develops best practice in employment, offers access to advice and resources and provides the only nationally validated accredited training programme for credit unions. NACUW works with the FSA and government on legislation and regulatory reform.

The Wales Co-operative Centre helps communities across Wales to start businesses or projects which value people and the environment as much as profit. It offers advice on issues including funding and sustainability, legal structures and business planning, and has supported the Community Banking Partnership in its development.

The Community Development Finance Association is the UK trade association for community development finance institutions (CDFIs). Its mission is to support the development of a thriving and sustainable community development finance sector that provides finance for disadvantaged and underserved communities and contributes to the increasing prosperity of these communities.