SAFFRON Building Society group chief executive Andy Golding has been elected to the council of the national body, the Building Societies Association (BSA).

SAFFRON Building Society group chief executive Andy Golding has been elected to the council of the national body, the Building Societies Association (BSA).

Mr Golding, who heads up the 19-branch and agency society, based in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire and Greater London, will use his knowledge of regional building society operations to influence policy, contribute to the BSA Council decisions and represent the views and needs of regional building societies and their members.

He was elected at the BSA's annual general meeting in May. His three-year tenure will increase the representation of regional building societies on the council. He was also elected to the Council of Mortgage Lenders' (CML) executive committee in May 2007.

Mr Golding said the BSA council role would complement his work as chief executive of Saffron Building Society Group, which is based at Saffron Walden.

“Being on the council of the BSA and the executive committee of the CML means I get the inside track on key issues affecting the sectors,” he said.

“It keeps me fully up-to-speed with regulatory and legislative changes affecting building societies and their members, which in turn, enables Saffron to be on the front foot, and able to serve our members better. I welcome the chance to help influence policy and further strengthen the important role of regional building societies within the UK economy.”