Episode 29 of the Money Made Human podcast features Kevin Duffy, Scotland Partnership Manager at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).

From starting your pension early to spotting the warning signs of a scam, Kevin shares practical guidance to help people feel more confident about their money and plan for the future.

Host Gayle Lloyd chats with Kevin about his career journey, the support available to those who need it, and how working together can make financial guidance more accessible. They also discuss why it’s time to break the taboo and get more comfortable talking about money.

Key topics include:

• Kevin’s career journey and role at MaPS
• Why financial education matters
• Pension guidance for young people starting their careers
• How to spot and avoid pension scams
• The power of partnerships
• Breaking the taboo around money conversations

We hope you enjoy listening!

Episode 28 of the Money Made Human podcast features Jane Ross, one of Scotland's most capped footballers, FA Cup winner, and Youth & Women's Development Officer at PFA Scotland.

Over a remarkable 19-year playing career, Jane earned 151 caps for Scotland and represented clubs including Glasgow City, Manchester City, West Ham United, Manchester United, Rangers, and Vittsjö GIK in Sweden. She helped Glasgow City win six consecutive league titles and scored the goal that secured Scotland's place at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.

In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Jane about the journey that took her from the Isle of Bute to the top level of women's football. She reflects on the support of her parents, the challenges and opportunities she encountered throughout her career, and how those experiences now shape her work supporting young players and the women's game through PFA Scotland.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Becoming a professional footballer and adapting to life in Sweden and England
• The continued growth of the women's game and opportunities for future generations
• Equality in football and the pressures created by social media
• Supporting youth and women's players through PFA Scotland
• The importance of financial planning for professional footballers
• Jane's hopes for the future of the game

We hope you enjoy listening!

Episode 27 of the Money Made Human podcast features Helen Ainsworth, Senior Manager for Credit Unions at the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).

Helen leads the team responsible for credit union policy and supervision at the PRA, playing an important role in supporting the safety, resilience, and long-term success of the UK credit union sector.

In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Helen about her career with the Bank of England and the PRA, the values that shaped her growing up, and the experiences that influenced her understanding of money from an early age. She shares why she is passionate about helping the credit union movement thrive and discusses the importance of openness, collaboration, and trust between regulators and the sector.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Helen's career journey with the Bank of England and the PRA
• The role of the PRA in the credit union sector
• Why credit unions matter to communities across the UK
• The importance of open dialogue and strong relationships between regulators and credit unions
• Operational resilience and preparing for future challenges
• Helen's hopes for the future of the credit union movement

As always, thank you for listening. We hope you enjoy the conversation!

Episode 26 of the Money Made Human podcast features Ian Lavery, MP for Blyth and Ashington.

Ian has dedicated much of his career to public service, representing communities through both the trade union movement and Parliament. In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Ian about the experiences that have shaped his values, his journey into politics, and the realities of serving as an elected representative. The conversation also explores the lasting impact of the miners' strikes, the importance of trade unions and credit unions in supporting communities, and Ian's hopes for the future.

Key topics in this episode include:

• How Ian's upbringing, family, and experiences of poverty shaped his values
• The impact of the miners' strikes on his family and wider society
• His role as President of the National Union of Mineworkers
• Why trade unions and credit unions remain important to local communities
• His journey into politics and role as an MP
• The realities of serving as an elected representative

We hope you enjoy listening!

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 Union
• Growing up in poverty and the influence of her mother and trade union roots
• Her background in mental health nursing, social work, and palliative care
• Female leadership and empowering women in the workplace
• NHS Credit Union's Safe Harbour programme and supporting survivors of economic abuse
• The role of credit unions during the cost-of-living crisis

Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about compassion, leadership, financial wellbeing, and the power of credit unions to change lives.

Episode 24 of the Money Made Human podcast features Debbie Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of OurCoop.

A passionate advocate for the co-operative movement, Debbie has spent her career championing the values of cooperation, community, and member ownership. As CEO of OurCoop, she leads one of the UK's largest independent co-operative societies, serving communities across multiple sectors while remaining focused on delivering value for members and customers.

In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Debbie about her career journey, the people who have shaped her values, and the influence of a family deeply connected to the co-operative movement. She reflects on the positive impact of her upbringing, particularly the role her mother played in shaping her outlook on life and leadership.

The conversation explores the power of cooperation to create meaningful change, both locally and globally, and why understanding members and customers remains at the heart of the co-operative model. Debbie also shares her thoughts on the future of the movement, the importance of creating opportunity, and why her personal philosophy is to "make every day count".

Key topics in this episode include:

• Debbie's career journey and leadership at OurCoop
• The influence of family and the co-operative movement throughout her life
• The opportunities created through cooperation at both a local and global level
• Prosperity, growth, and what success should look like for communities
• Debbie's hopes for the future of the co-operative movement
• The importance of family and the support of her "home team"

Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, cooperation, community, and the values that can help create a better future for everyone.

Episode 23 of the Money Made Human podcast features Alan Rough MBE, Scottish former professional footballer and football broadcaster.

Widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most recognisable goalkeepers, Alan enjoyed an outstanding playing career that saw him represent his country on the international stage and become a firm favourite with football supporters across Scotland. Best known for his time at Partick Thistle, he remains one of the club’s most celebrated players and a respected voice within the game today.

In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Alan about his journey into football, the influence of his parents, and the experiences that shaped a career spanning some of the most memorable moments in Scottish football. He reflects on representing Scotland at three World Cups, including his memories of the 1978 tournament in Argentina, and shares his thoughts on how the game has evolved over the decades.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Alan’s journey into football and goalkeeping
• The influence of his parents and early life experiences
• How football has changed over the years
• The importance of saving and planning for the future as a professional footballer
• His current role with PLZ Soccer and continued involvement in the game
• The importance of staying active and maintaining good health

Join us for an entertaining and insightful conversation with one of Scottish football’s most recognisable figures, reflecting on a remarkable career and the lessons learned along the way.

In episode 22 of the Money Made Human podcast, we’re joined by Hugh Gaffney, former MP, author of Auchengeich, and founding member of 1st Class Credit Union.

Host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Hugh about a life shaped by service, community, and a deep commitment to helping others. From growing up in a family of eight siblings to his career with Royal Mail, Hugh reflects on the experiences that led him into trade union activism and later into politics.

The conversation also explores Hugh’s powerful work in preserving the history of the Auchengeich mining disaster, where 47 men lost their lives in 1959, and the lasting impact it had on families and communities. He also shares personal reflections on loss, including the passing of his wife Anne, and the values that continue to guide him.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Hugh’s upbringing in a large family and early influences
• His career with Royal Mail and work with the Communication Workers Union
• His journey from councillor to MP
• The importance of credit unions and payroll deduction schemes
• The story of the Auchengeich mining disaster and his book
• Personal reflections on grief, family, and motivation to help others

We hope you enjoy listening to Hughie’s story as much as we did!

Episode 21 of the Money Made Human podcast features Paul Sweeney, candidate in the Scottish Parliamentary election and former MSP.

Before entering politics, Paul worked in the shipbuilding industry, an experience that continues to shape his views on industry, communities, and public service. In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Paul about his five years in the Scottish Parliament, his upbringing in Glasgow, and the influence of his parents’ values, trade union roots, and strong sense of service to others.

The conversation explores Paul’s passion for shipbuilding and Scotland’s industrial heritage, the importance of investing in communities and skilled industries, and the role credit unions can play in supporting people across Scotland. Paul also reflects on his support for the Coalition of Credit Unions during discussions around the withdrawal of the Family Protection Plan, as well as the impact recent events in Glasgow have had on the city and its communities.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Paul’s journey from shipbuilding into politics
• His five years serving in the Scottish Parliament
• The influence of his upbringing, family values, and trade union roots
• The importance of maintaining Scotland’s industrial heritage
• Recent events in Glasgow and their impact on local communities
• The role and importance of credit unions within society

Join us for an insightful conversation about industry, community, public service, and the values that shape leadership.

Dermot O’Neill is the Chief Executive of the Scottish League of Credit Unions (SLCU), a role he has held for the past 15 years. The SLCU supports 26 of Scotland’s remaining 72 credit unions, helping them to become and remain Compliant, Sustainable and Cooperative.

Dermot’s credit union journey began in 2002 when he was appointed General Manager of Taxi Trade Credit Union, where he spent eight years. He then moved into the community credit union sector as Development Manager at Ayrshire Credit Union, before taking up his current leadership role at the SLCU.

A passionate advocate for the credit union movement, Dermot is a champion of community finance and the people-focused values that underpin it. He believes strongly in the power of cooperative finance to strengthen communities and improve lives.

Outside of credit union life, Dermot prioritises family time, enjoys outdoor adventures and plays football; to the best of his (self-confessed) very average ability.

Key topics in this episode include:

• What the Scottish League of Credit Unions is and how it supports its members
• The six key pillars of the SLCU, including guidance, education, networking and representation
• Why it's important for credit unions to have this type of connection and support
• Dermot’s personal journey and leadership within the credit union movement
• How credit unions have adapted and evolved in recent years
• Dermot’s hopes for the future of the SLCU and the wider credit union sector

Join us for an engaging conversation with someone at the heart of Scotland’s credit union movement.

This episode was recorded in October 2025.