Board Management Software

Credit Union Board Training: 3 Amazing Programs

  • By: RedPen
  • May 19, 2022
Credit union board training
Reading Time: 3 minutes

What are the best credit union board training programs? We recommend choosing from one of these best-in-class options.

The most effective credit unions invest in their boards’ continuous learning. This board development gives credit unions a competitive edge in the industry. Credit union training courses provide a great way to educate board members on their roles and how they can make an impact. 

However, it’s difficult to choose the best training programs among dozens in the market. This article walks you through three results-driven training programs for credit union boards and what makes them effective. But first, find out why credit union training programs are essential.

The Importance of Credit Union Board Training

Nearly all credit unions that invest in board training experience positive results. Leverage board training to enjoy the following benefits:

  • Course content like credit union governance and fiduciary duties teach board members their roles to streamline processes and improve governance. 
  • Credit union training courses sharpen board members’ skills continually for more fruitful board meetings.
  • Board training courses support and encourage new members to participate and serve on the board. 
  • Board members who spend time learning tend to communicate effectively on topics that matter to the credit union. As a result, they can easily trust and respect each other’s opinions and perspectives, enhancing the board’s performance. 

The 3 Best Credit Union Board Training Programs

The following are the top three board training programs for credit unions. 

1. National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU)

NAFCU’s Board of Directors Online Training Subscription educates new and seasoned directors about their roles and how the credit union system works. Its 11 training modules include:

  • Fiduciary Duties and Ethics
  • Role of the Board
  • The Credit Union Business Model
  • Managing Risk

Apart from the board of director training, you can access other online courses on compliance and leadership training. To access the NAFCU board training program, you must be federally insured and a NAFCU member. 

Benefits include:

  • Offers unlimited access to train your entire credit board union
  • Covers various topics to expand your board’s knowledge about credit unions and the industry
  • Earn certifications through the training program
  • Access to NAFCU’s resources like a shareable credit union director handbook PDF and content-rich webinars

2. Credit Union Executive Society (CUES)

CUES offers various courses for credit union boards on topics like DEI, board governance, leadership, and strategy. Some of the courses include: 

  • Ensure Accountability
  • Difficult Conversations
  • Enhancing Emotional Intelligence

You only access CUES courses if you have a membership subscription. They offer a free 45-day trial with limited benefits, or choose from these options:

  • Individual membership
  • Unlimited membership for all credit union board members and staff to access training content
  • Unlimited + Membership offers unlimited membership with additional benefits, including a magazine subscription and board governance assessments

To be eligible for CUES membership, your credit union must be based in the United States or Canada. Some benefits of CUES online courses include: 

  • Virtual classroom to ask questions in real-time
  • Online networking tool that enables members to connect and share information 
  • Discounted event pricing

3. Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA)

Cooperative Credit Union Association offers an instructor-led video course that teaches you the basics of solid board governance. It’s a 7-module program that covers topics like: 

  • Board Communication Skills
  • Your Role as a Credit Union Board Member
  • Situational Strategies for Credit Union Boards

Only U.S.-based credit unions are eligible for the CCUA training program. Some of the course’s benefits include: 

  • Applicable case studies and complimentary job aids
  • On-demand content for flexible learning
  • Competitive pricing for individuals or groups

Elements of an Effective Credit Union Training Program

The following standards will help you choose an effective credit union training program. 

  • Does it provide immediate value to participants? It should help you improve your weak spots as an individual or board. 
  • Does it support your organization’s goals/objectives? For example, a DEI course is appropriate if the organization aims to promote diversity.
  • Is it simple and easy to understand? The course should solve any challenges you’re facing — not create them
  • Does it encourages widespread adoption? The program’s content should be practical for your board and the credit union as a whole. Ensure the content is actionable for credit unions. 
UPCOMING WEBINAR
Navigating the Future: Board Evaluation and Annual Planning Strategies

September 21 at 2:00 PM ET. August 17 at 2:00 PM ET. Leading this session will be Donna Hamlin, Ph.D. Dr. Hamlin is a corporate governance executive with thirty years of corporate governance and strategy consulting experience.

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How OnBoard Helps

A credit union training program fosters continuous learning to increase board members’ quality of participation in board activities. The program also makes new board members confident by teaching them their roles, which enables all members to collaborate.

Another wise investment for credit union boards is a board portal platform. Built for credit unions, OnBoard makes governance more effective, promotes real-time collaboration, and offers many features to simplify board work for your credit union board of directors.

Ready to upgrade your board’s effectiveness with OnBoard’s board intelligence platform? Schedule a demo or request a free trial.