You are a member of the Credit Union, not a customer
Together, members create a community with a common goal; to help one another financially. Members’ savings are pooled together to create an opportunity for others to borrow affordably and fairly, either through loans or mortgages. The interest charged on lending contributes toward the Credit Union’s profits and surplus profits which are shared with members every year, in the form of a dividend. Dividends are usually paid following our Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The AGM is one of the most important days in the Credit Union’s calendar. It allows Directors and members to come together and have their say on what matters. Members of the Credit Union are entitled to a vote at the AGM as every member has one vote, regardless of how much they hold in savings. Voting gives you the chance to help make key decisions which could make a real difference to your Credit Union. We pride ourselves on being a mutual organisation and welcome members to become involved in our AGM’s.
Notice of AGM
In accordance with Rule 79 of the approved Rule Book of No1 Police Credit Union Limited (trading as No1 CopperPot Credit Union), notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place at:
Slater House, Oakfield Road, Cheadle Royal Business Park, Cheadle SK8 3GX
Date: Thursday, 18th December 2025
Time: 1:00 pm
Details on attendance, including the option to participate electronically, will be provided to members in advance of the 2025 AGM.
The meeting will consider the following items:
- The receipt of the accounts and balance sheet, and the reports of the Board of Directors and the auditor.
- The appointment of an auditor as recommended by the Board of Directors.
- The election of the Board of Directors.
- The application of surplus.
- Rule changes.
Rule change submissions:
- Members may propose rule changes, which must be received by 18th October 2025 in accordance with Rule 142.
- The Board of Directors may also propose rule changes for consideration at the AGM.
Agenda publication:
- A full agenda, including details of any proposed rule changes and motions from the Board of Directors, will be published during the week commencing Monday, 10th November 2025.
Director nominations:
- In accordance with Rule 96, nominations for consideration of election to the Board of Directors must be lodged at the Credit Union offices by 18th October 2025.
- If nominations exceed the number of positions available, an election will take place at the AGM.
Proposed changes
Download the AGM proposed changes document (PDF)
What We’re Informing You About
As valued members, we would like to let you know about a proposed change to our Credit Union’s common bond, which sets out who is eligible to join our community.
Current Membership Rules
Currently, the law allows us to welcome family members only if they live at the same address as an existing member.
We have actively lobbied for a change in this area on your behalf, and while developments may occur in the future, these legislative changes to membership are not yet in place.
We understand that many of you wish to extend Credit Union membership to your direct family members who live elsewhere.
Our Proposal
To address this, our Board is proposing to expand our common bond so that your direct family members living at a different address can join and benefit from being part of our community.
ONS Employment Classifications
Our proposal is to use the Office for National Statistics (ONS) employment classifications as a basis for membership.
The ONS provides a reliable and well-established way of grouping people based on factors such as where they work.
By adopting the ONS framework for our common bond, our Credit Union gains a structured, government-recognised definition for classifying our membership criteria.
We chose the ONS framework because:
- It gives us flexibility to grow responsibly.
- It allows us to welcome more family members.
- It maintains the integrity and future sustainability of our community.
- It has also been adopted by other Credit Unions facing similar common bond challenges.
Future Membership Considerations
Membership will not be opened to wider groups, outside family members residing at different addresses, at this stage.
However, in the future, we may adjust our membership rules if, for example:
- The economy changes in a way that affects our members.
- We need to respond to new legal requirements.
- Opportunities for growth arise for the Credit Union.
We will always keep you informed, so you know what’s changing and why.
Safeguarding Change: Restricted Access Policy
Importantly, any change will be managed carefully using a Restricted Access Policy.
This provides clear guidelines for the Board of Directors to follow when considering further change.
It ensures that:
- Decisions are approached thoughtfully, considering all risks and benefits.
- Decisions are carefully documented and fully approved by our Board.
- Our Credit Union remains strong, sustainable for the future, and true to its values as we grow.
Our Guiding Principle
Our guiding principle is to stay true to who we are a member-owned, values-driven Credit Union committed to members before profit.
These changes are about strengthening our family and ensuring we are best placed to support the needs of our members in the future.
Get Involved
We welcome your thoughts and feedback on this proposal, and we want to assure you that your voice matters as we shape the Credit Union’s future together.
To support this, we will be holding a series of member listening sessions where you’ll have the chance to:
- Ask questions.
- Share your views.
- Hear directly from our Board about the proposed changes.
These sessions will ensure that your voice helps guide our decisions.
You will also have the opportunity to vote on this proposal at the AGM in December.
Further detail will be communicated in the coming weeks.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our Credit Union.
Cheadle Royal Business Park,
Cheshire, SK8 3GX
