Growing up in a family business environment with a strong commitment to cooperation, I have always been aware of the positive impact customer-ownership delivers to the economy and to communities. I have seen the challenges people face in securing decent housing, and the need for organisations that support them and help them build better futures for themselves and their families. That sense of purpose, responsibility and opportunity is what drew me to this sector and to this role.

Today, the principles of mutuality, of innovation and inclusivity, and of trust and collaboration in the service of consumers and communities, matter more than ever. At a time when public trust in financial institutions is hard-won, building societies and credit unions stand out for their people-first approach and I am excited to bring the breadth of my experience to support this sector’s growth.

Building societies and credit unions deliver real, tangible benefits, helping first-time buyers achieve home ownership, supporting savers through every stage of life and maintaining a resilient, regionally rooted presence that strengthens local communities and economies. This is a sector whose success is measured not just in numbers, but in lives improved and futures built.

Alongside this vital support for homeownership, financial resilience and communities, mutual building societies and credit unions bring much needed dynamism, competition and resilience to the financial services sector, and collectively, contribute meaningfully to the UK economy.

We are at a pivotal moment, a time of opportunity. This government has committed to doubling the size of the mutual and co-operative sector; alongside building 1.5 million homes over the course of this parliament and to wider economic growth. Our challenge and opportunity is to ensure building societies and credit unions are central to this vision.

I want to acknowledge the strong foundations laid by my predecessor, Robin Fieth, and thank him for his commitment over the last 12 years which has brought us to this moment of opportunity. I am looking forward to working with the dedicated BSA team and our members to build on this momentum.

We are living in a complex world environment: economically, politically, socially and technologically. Customer expectations are evolving rapidly, as is the technology to meet them. The challenges and opportunities this presents are shared across financial services but building societies and credit unions can lead with trust, transparency and people-first values.

Over the coming year and beyond my focus will be on:

Strong advocacy, working to ensure that the voice of building societies and credit unions is clearly heard and that the regulatory and legislative landscape operates fairly for financial mutuals.

Effective partnerships across the financial mutuals sector to amplify our voice and build on the BSA’s work as part of the co-operative and mutual business council.

Shaping the relevance and relatability of building societies, mutual-owned banks and credit unions to today’s and future customers ensuring that the mutual difference is clear to see. We will champion innovation, support members as they invest in new technologies, modernise services and explore fresh approaches to meet members’ needs

Above all, my commitment is to ensure that the BSA remains a strong expert and unifying voice, one that reflects the diversity of its membership. My call to you all - BSA members, associates, partners and colleagues - is to join us in shaping the next stage of this sector’s story; seizing opportunities for growth, and making a positive difference to customers, communities and the wider economy for many years to come.

Find out more: You can follow Sarah on LinkedIn

This article was first published in Society Matters magazine