Board Member Spotlight: John Pollock

Board Member Spotlight: John Pollock

At Right Way Credit Union, our volunteer Board of Directors play a vital role in guiding our mission and ensuring we continue to serve our members and communities with care and purpose. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our very dedicated directors who brings a wealth of experience, insight, and community spirit to the work in which we do at Right Way.

Meet John…

With over 26 years of experience in local government, John brings an in depth understanding of community needs and public service. Beginning his career as a skillseeker apprentice, John has had roles in frontline housing support, welfare benefits, and debt advice.

In 2008, John joined the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit as a Financial Inclusion Officer, later progressing to investigator and now serving as Partnership and Support Officer. In this role, John leads national efforts to raise awareness of loan sharks, run prevention campaigns, and support individuals impacted by illegal lending, making a meaningful difference across Scotland.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

I have spent that last 26 years working in various roles in local government. I started off as a skillseeker apprentice, before ending up in roles in front line housing support and welfare benefits/debt advice. In 2008 I joined the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit as Financial Inclusion Officer. Since then, I have worked in various roles within the team including investigator before moving to my current role as Partnership and Support Officer.

 My current role leads on prevention and raising awareness of the threat posed by Loan Sharks in Scotland. That includes; working to support people to move away from borrowing from loan sharks, leading on campaigns, working with partners from across the country to disrupt the impact loan sharks have on our communities. 

What inspired you to get involved with Right Way Credit Union and join the board?

I have been a big believer in the work Credit Unions provide to improve the lives of the members and the communities in which they cover. They are an important part of the social fabric of communities and play a long-term part in providing affordable credit to the communities they serve. I met Karen Wallace and Paula Dinnett at several events that I attended, and was impressed listening to them talk passionately about Right Way and the work being done by the Credit Union in the local community where I live. When the opportunity arose to join the board, I knew this was an opportunity I would embrace and enjoy. 

What do you feel you bring to the board, and what do you enjoy most about being part of it?

I hope that I can bring my experience of supporting people who find themselves in a vulnerable position to the organisation. I hope that my unique understanding of the pressure that some people find themselves under when requiring access to credit can help enhance both the board and the whole organisation. My overall aim is to help enhance the already high-quality work being undertaken by Karen and her staff.

 Why do you think credit unions like Right Way are important in our communities today?

We have seen a significant change in the credit marketplace over the past 10 years. It is more important than ever that credit unions play their part in bringing affordable credit to those that need it. Being a member driven organisation provides an environment for people to join knowing the organisation is designed for members by members. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I am delighted that I have the opportunity to serve on the board of Right Way Credit Union and look forward to working with my fellow Directors and Senior Staff to drive the credit union forward for the benefit of the communities we serve.