• Doing business with the FSA
  • Small Firms
    • Credit unions
      • Meeting the FSA: surgeries

In the last three years, we have held surgeries for credit unions in Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Perth, Glasgow, York, Newport, Newcastle, London Euston, Norwich, Colchester, London Waterloo, Bristol, Plymouth, Manchester, Penrith and most recently, back in Birmingham.

Our next surgeries are likely to be in Glasgow and will be held towards the end of this year.  As soon as the details have been finalised, we will post them here.

If you would like to make any comments about surgeries you have attended or have any suggestions to make regarding future surgeries, please send an email to creditunions.sfcd@fsa.gov.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions about surgeries

What is a surgery?

A surgery is an informal, private discussion with two or three members of the FSA's credit union team. Discussions last as long as needed, with a limit of one hour. The last surgery on any day is usually at 6.00 p.m.

Surgeries are an opportunity for your credit union to raise any regulation questions you may have face-to-face, rather then over the phone or by letter.

How much does the surgery cost?

The FSA surgeries are free of charge.

Who will be at the surgery?

Two or three members of the FSA's credit union team, although there may be an observer from another part of the FSA who might, for example, be widening his or her knowledge about credit unions. (In this event, there would normally only be two of the credit union team present, to avoid over-crowding.) From one to four representatives of a credit union generally attend but we do not set a limit.

What will we talk about at the surgery?

You set the agenda. It is an opportunity for you to ask us your questions regarding regulation. The surgery is not a forum for the FSA to tell you what they have been doing in your sector although, time permitting, we may be able to discuss general issues.

How do I prepare for a surgery?

It is more productive if you come with your questions ready and if you bring any relevant documents with you. It also helps if, when booking, you indicate the likely topics of conversation so that we too can prepare and gather any necessary documents. Otherwise, no formal preparation is required.

How do I book on a surgery?

Surgery bookings must be made in advance. You should follow the instructions on the booking form, i.e., either telephone Tim Jackson on 020 7066 0282 or send an email to creditunions.sfcd@fsa.gov.uk. We cannot guarantee there will be enough spaces for everyone who wants to attend but we will do our best to accommodate all who apply. It can be very difficult to book a surgery at the time you want it if you leave booking until the last minute, so please do make a decision as soon as you can.

What happens then?

We will confirm in writing the date and time of the surgery booked and ensure that you know how to find us.

What should I do if I have to cancel a booking at the last minute?

You should telephone the FSA on 020 7066 0282 and your message will be passed on.