Taking the CDFI message to Number 10

Well, what a week! I was asked into Number 10 Downing Street on Friday to discuss CDFIs with the PM’s special advisor. It was a helpful and constructive meeting and it is clear that all our lobbying efforts are bearing fruit. The PM is really interested in what we do and is making financial inclusion a key part of his election campaign. Now, more than ever, we need to our members to get behind our campaign and work together to demonstrate we are strong and cohesive sector with a real offer; we are the only people working in this space and we should shout it from the rooftops.

The Budget was really exciting, too. Mention of transparency, a bank levy, financial inclusion and community lenders would all have been unthinkable just a few short months ago. Number 10 has asked for our ideas on how these will all fit together and we will be working with them to make it happen in the most appropriate way, so that underserved communities really have access to high quality and responsible financial services, wherever they are located and whatever their background. Our press release was quoted in the Guardian and in the FT online – thanks to Joe Dumont our Head of Comms for his input on them.

Last week we also held our annual staff awayday (thanks to Clifford Chance for supporting it) where we celebrated cdfa’s 8^th birthday and celebrated our achievements. Of course, never an organisation to rest on its laurels, we looked forward to the challenges ahead as well and recognised that there are loads of opportunities on the horizon. We just need to make sure they are all optimised at the right time to maximise the lasting impact on the UK’s poorest communities. It was an energetic and constructive day and I am proud to lead such a passionate and committed staff team. Thanks to our Professional Development Manager, Corinne Thompson, for organising the programme.

Earlier in the week I went to Belfast and visited our two NI members UCIT and ENI. It was great to catch up with them and find our all their plans and developments. I love visiting members – so don’t forget to invite me round for a cup of tea…