In April 2010 The Equality Act came into being, this was new legislation introduced by the government which aims to prevent discrimination. Part of this new legislation requires all public bodies to collect certain information about the people that use their services. This new standardised approach to equality monitoring applies to all public bodies throughout the UK, this includes local authorities, the NHS, universities and us!

So if you recently received a form from us asking you all kinds of questions about your background you now know why. From October 1st 2011 we will routinely collect this information from new members as they join. Under the legislation everyone has the right to refuse to answer which is perfectly fine, as long as the question has been asked.

This year BDCU is in receipt of some funding from Bradford Council, this funding is being used to develop The Credit Union further and make us more accessible throughout the district. Complying with the requirements of the Equality Act is a condition of this funding, and it will also help us to see if there are any groups out there that might need more support to join and benefit from BDCU services.

So thank you very much if you filled out a form and sent it back to us, all those who did will be entered into a prize draw, winners will be contacted by a member of the BDCU team.