Elaine Rae – Chief Executive Officer, NHS Credit Union (#25)

Episode 25 of the Money Made Human podcast features Elaine Rae, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Credit Union.Elaine has dedicated her career to improving people's lives, from her early work in mental health nursing, social work, and palliative care to leading one of Scotland's largest credit unions. Having spent five years as Chair of the Board before becoming Chief Executive Officer, she is also one of the founding members of NHS Credit Union and has played a key role in its growth over the past decade.In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Elaine about her career journey, the experiences that shaped her values, and the influence of growing up in poverty, her mother's resilience, and her family's trade union roots. She also reflects on the importance of compassionate care, including helping people achieve what she describes as a "good death", and how these experiences continue to inform her leadership today.The conversation explores the role of credit unions during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the importance of empowering women in leadership, and NHS Credit Union's Safe Harbour programme, which supports members experiencing economic abuse to regain control of their finances. Elaine also shares her work with the Coalition of Credit Unions, her ambitions for the future of NHS Credit Union, and her hopes for the years ahead.Key topics in this episode include:Elaine's career journey and leadership at NHS Credit UnionGrowing up in poverty and the influence of her mother and trade union rootsHer background in mental health nursing, social work, and palliative careFemale leadership and empowering women in the workplaceNHS Credit Union's Safe Harbour programme and supporting survivors of economic abuseThe role of credit unions during the cost-of-living crisisJoin us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about compassion, leadership, financial wellbeing, and the power of credit unions to change lives.