We've joined the Inclusive Lending Charter

28 August 2025


We've joined the Inclusive Lending Charter

At Great Western Credit Union, we believe finance should be fair, accessible, and built around people, not profit. That’s why we’re proud to announce that we’ve joined the  Inclusive Lending Charter, a group of purpose-led lenders working to reshape access to credit for underserved communities across the UK. 

What is the Inclusive Lending Charter? 

The Inclusive Lending Charter, led by Infact, brings together organisations committed to championing responsible, transparent, and inclusive lending. It’s about creating and shaping credit that works for everyone, especially those who may have been left out or underserved by more traditional financial institutions. 

This isn’t just a pledge. It’s a movement. One that’s focused on real-world impact, ethical practices, and putting people first. 

 

Why it matters 

Getting access to credit isn’t easy for everyone. In fact, over 12 million people in the UK have had trouble getting financial products or services. That’s often because traditional credit checks don’t tell the full story. If you’ve never borrowed before or your income isn’t regular, you might get a low score even if you manage your money well. 

When that happens, people are often left with no options or pushed towards high-cost, risky lenders. 

Inclusive lending changes that. It means offering credit that’s affordable, transparent, and designed to support long-term financial wellbeing. It means recognising the realities people face and responding with empathy, not judgment. 

 

Why we’ve joined 

Joining the Inclusive Lending Charter is a natural step for us. It reflects who we are and what we stand for. 

“We’re proud to join the Inclusive Lending Charter and partner with Infact to help reshape credit access for underserved communities. This collaboration aligns with our mission to deliver fair, responsible financial services and supports our commitment to innovation, transparency, and inclusion in the UK credit market.” 
— Colin McDougall, Head of Strategic Delivery. 

 

We’ve always believed that finance should be a force for good. Our services are designed to support people across South and West England, helping them build financial resilience, access affordable credit, and feel confident about their money. 

This partnership strengthens that mission. It connects us with like-minded organisations and gives us a platform to advocate for change in the wider credit industry. 

 

What this means for you 

For our members, this is a reaffirmation of our values. We’re not changing course, we’re doubling down on what matters. You can expect the same responsible lending, the same community-first approach, and the same commitment to transparency. What’s new is the opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and amplify our impact. 

We’ll continue to offer credit that’s fair, flexible, and designed to support your financial wellbeing, whether you’re dealing with unexpected costs, planning for the future, or just trying to make ends meet. 

If you’d like to learn more about the Inclusive Lending Charter and what it stands for, you can visit Infact's website here. 

Let’s build a fairer financial future, together.Â