The ability of a board to do its job effectively is a vital feature of a successful credit union. In this paper, the experienced credit union consultant Lucy Harr considers how credit union boards can become high performers and thereby excel in delivering value to members. Lucy looks at the experience of credit unions and other organisations in the USA and pulls out the critical features for boards. Lucy concludes that board directors should: refocus the board agenda to go beyond finance and administration; make debate a top priority; give clear and formal feedback to each other; be present and be ready to speak up.

CFCFE is pleased to bring another informed authorial voice into research on the credit union movement. This paper will be a valuable guide for credit union directors and those who support them. The paper can be downloaded here.