Meet The Board & Committee Members

Board Members

John Thompson – Director

John is a senior professional with over 14 years’ of experience in financial services, gained across operational, risk, compliance, and leadership roles covering multiple sectors.

He was previously volunteering for Stockport Credit Union by providing support to the Board, particularly in relation to matters relating to compliance before being co-opted onto the Board

Melanie Foster – Chair

Melanie Foster is a C level executive with a background in Technology and Change. She brings a well-rounded working knowledge of Financial Services and Banking as well as extensive operational knowledge of mergers and acquisitions, business process reengineering and portfolio and programme management. 

She currently works for a publicly listed pan European Swedish Asset Management company where she is responsible for all technology, business transformation and change across 11 countries.

Melanie is experienced in shaping, delivering and directing pan European enterprise transformation. Innovative, creative and resilient; with a solid track record working with multi-functional teams to streamline business processes and create continuous profitable improvements. A natural leader that thrives under pressure whilst maintaining the ability to be a role model both for organisational culture and values.

Elaine Preece – Community Engagement Non-Executive Director

Elaine was a volunteer for six years before joining the Board. Elaine worked on the two busiest collection points and in the office in Brinnington – she has a comprehensive knowledge of SCU’s products, policies and procedures.

Elaine has a first-class degree in Politics and Contemporary History which gives her skills that enable the analysis of complex documents. This has been vital when reading internal audit and risk assessment documents for example. Equally, as secretary, notetaking proficiency during meetings and précising is part of Elaine’s job. 

During Elaine’s working life, she has been employed by an MP in their constituency office and by Stockport College in teaching and learning support. These two jobs brought Elaine into contact with a people from a wide range of backgrounds and a myriad of problems.  

Elaine is proud to say she loves her role at SCU, working with Board members, volunteers, hard-working staff and, last but not least, our members.

Andrew Foster – Treasurer

Newly joined in October 2020, Andrew is Chartered Accountant with over 30 years of industry experience working with small and medium sized businesses. Whilst originally from the wrong side of the Pennines, he settled in the “SK”’s in 1987 and looks forward to supporting the Board in promoting credit union values throughout Stockport

In his spare time, Andrew is a committee member of the Stockport Association of Swim Clubs as well as a swim coach and Treasurer of a local swim club.


James Gracey – Chair of Development Committee


James has over 25 years of experience across the Banking and Financial Services industry, specialising in Business Development, Regulatory Requirements, Contract Management, and Customer Journey.

Throughout his career James has worked with the majority of high street banks and major credit lenders, focusing on supporting customers in financial difficulties and defining strategies to deliver the best customer journey.


Rob Grant – Non Executive Director


Rob Grant is a qualified Coach and Mentor who runs Business Bread, his own business consultancy focused on the development of people and business through connection of the individual actions, creative thinking and progression toward a clear vision. 

Rob has more than 23 years-experience in leadership and management roles across many B2B and B2C sectors and underpinned by board experience in community and commercial organisations, including Non-Executive Director & Board Treasurer at Village Greens Community Co-operative, Marketing Director for Radcliffe Market Community Benefit Society Limited, Managing Director for Royal Mail Courier Services Ltd and other exec board positions for financial services organisations.

Rob is driven by understanding how things work and helping to make them work better as well as helping others achieve.  He possesses a balance of analytical and creative thinking that has underpinned a successful career based on people management and doing things the right way.


Stephen Johnson
– Non Executive Director

Stephen Johnson has 15 years experience in Financial services, driving transformation projects within both Retail Banking firms and SME Financials. 

His current focus is supporting Financial Services firms through technological and regulatory change, helping to develop businesses into successful organisations and managing the challenges faced within a continuously changing landscape.

Stephen has an MBA alongside a number of project and technology accreditations and is looking forward to using his skills and experience to serve the members of Stockport Credit Union and ensure they are at the heart of everything we do.

Outside of the office Stephen has three children and enjoys watching MCFC when he gets the chance (sorry MUFC fans!)

Clare Owen – Non-Executive Director and Secretary

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee has two volunteer lay member positions. The job of the lay members is to provide member oversight to the Board activities and assist with the work of the Audit Committee. We currently have one lay member on the committee and are looking to appoint a second volunteer.