Karen Wint

Non-Executive Director, Chair

Karen joined the Board in 2021 and became Chair in February 2023. She has previously chaired the Risk Committee and been a member of the Audit and Compliance Committee. Her career spanning over 40 years in the building society sector drives her passion for the mutual model. As Chair, Karen is also a member of the People and Culture Committee.

Janet Bedford

CEO

Janet became Chief Executive Officer in 2022, leading the Society in order to deliver its purpose, to deliver better financial futures to our members and community. A Chartered Accountant, she has been with the Society for over ten years, initially as Chief Financial Officer then Deputy CEO. She has over 20 years of extensive senior leadership experience within financial services.

Sally Hall

Chief Financial Officer

Sally joined the Society in October 2023. Sally is an accomplished finance leader and has over 20 years of experience across varying sectors, including financial services. Sally leads the finance team to deliver value to our members whilst maintaining the financial regulatory requirements of the Society.

Alfred Meeks

Senior Independent Non-Executive Director

Alfred is a Chartered Director, an experienced financial services NED, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and Committee Chair, with specific expertise in mortgages and banking. With over 20 years’ experience in the building society sector, he understands regulatory interaction and risk/governance. Alfred is also the Senior Independent Director, who deputises for the Chair in their absence. Alfred is a member of the People and Culture Committee and Audit & Compliance Committee.

Bob Andrews

Non-Executive Director

With 35 years in Financial Services primarily in the banking, mortgage and insurance sectors, Bob’s strengths are in strategy and growth, governance, operational resilience, culture change and brand development. Working with business leaders to develop operational excellence, Bob is our People and Culture Chair, Whistleblowing Champion and a member of the Risk Committee.

Mark Robinson

Non-Executive Director

Mark’s relevant background in niche lending, distribution, IT infrastructure and culture development, complements his board level leadership experience, predominantly in the mutual sector. He also possesses a strong understanding of risk, compliance, and regulatory relationship management. He is Chair of the Risk Committee and is a member of the Audit & Compliance Committee.

Stephen Smith

Non-Executive Director

With over 45 years experience in the financial services sector, mainly leading property-related retail businesses for a major UK financial services provider, Stephen has practical expertise of mortgage market distribution, driving growth strategies and an understanding of targeted customer marketing. He is a member of the Risk Committee and People & Culture Committee, and he is also Board Champion for the Consumer Duty.

Jonathan Pattinson

Non-Executive Director,

Jonathan is an experienced Chartered Accountant with a career spanning almost three decades, working in internal audit, compliance, and risk management. Hissenior roles within a global accounting firm, a major UK mortgage lender and a range of other high-profile organisations, provides relevant expertise in governance, regulatory oversight, and business transformation. His current CEO role of Computer Share Investor Services PLC gives him valuable and up-to-date insight into the challenges and opportunities facing financial institutions today, particularly as the industry embraces increasing digitisation.