Money Advice Liaison Group (MALG), the UK membership organisation for ‘working together to improve the lives of people in debt’, has appointed Vikki Brownridge to its Board.
Vikki took up the role of CEO of StepChange Debt Charity, where she has worked since 2005, in May 2023. Prior to this she held several senior leadership positions including Head of Debt Advice where she was instrumental in the launch of the sector’s first online debt advice service, and Director of Client Experience where she was responsible for the charity’s strategic relationships and funding.
Vikki has also played an active role in shaping and defining the sector working alongside the Money and Pensions Service and other debt advice charities.
Her role on the MALG Board will be to approve the strategic direction of the organisation as recommended by MALG CEO Bob Winnington and team, overseeing its operation, finances, the work of committees, and the creation and monitoring of proper governance. She will join fellow MALG Board Members Craig Simmons of Clear Consultancy Services, Fiona Hoyle of Finance & Leasing Association, James Jones of Experian, John Fairhurst of Payplan, Peter Wallwork and Francis McGee.
Paul Smee, Chair of the MALG Board, says:
“MALG has gone from strength to strength in recent years and we have some ambitious plans for the future to extend our reach and influence across the debt landscape even further. Vikki’s experience from the ground up in the world free debt advice and her wider strategic perspective across related fields will be invaluable to us. She is highly regarded as an industry leader and we’re delighted she has agreed to join us on our exciting journey.”
Vikki Brownridge added:
“It’s a great honour to be appointed to the MALG board. The group has such an important role to play in shaping the future of the debt landscape and I’m looking forward to bringing my skills and experience to the team.”
Vikki’s position on the MALG Board will be formally ratified at the MALG AGM in London on 11 July 2024. The MALG Conference 2024 will be held in Leeds, where StepChange is headquartered, for the first time in 2024 at Aspire on 7 November. The theme will be ‘the future of financial resilience’.
MALG was established in 1987 to bridge the gap between debt advisers and creditors by creating an informal, non-judgemental forum with no commercial, regulatory, or political agenda. Members now include a diverse range of public, private and third sector organisations with an interest in matters relating to personal debt, from financial capability and lending, through to debt collection and money advice. They benefit from free and exclusive access to regular opportunities to debate issues, share best practice, network and learn from experts online and face-to-face including a fortnightly virtual ‘Friday Forum’, quarterly National Members Meetings, and an annual conference. There are also eight MALG Regional Groups across the UK who meet several times a year.
StepChange Debt Charity is the UK’s largest debt advice charity, helping hundreds of thousands of people a year. Founded in 1993, StepChange supports people experiencing debt problems through telephone and online services, and campaigns for change to reduce the harm and stigma associated with debt.