CSA and Lowell win Excellence in Training at Collections and Vulnerability Awards

The Credit Services Association (CSA), the only national trade association in the UK for organisations active in the debt collection and purchase industry, and Lowell, a leading debt collection company and long-standing CSA member, have jointly won the Excellence in Training award at the Collections and Vulnerability Awards 2025.

Run by Credit Strategy, the Awards recognise the incredible resilience and innovation of collections professionals who are leading the way in tackling customer vulnerability.

To win the Excellence in Training category, the two companies had to fend off tough competition from finalists Leeds Building Society, and The Money Advice Trust. The judges were impressed with how the CSA tailored its Level 2 Credit Controller & Collector apprenticeship programme to offer Lowell a bespoke 12-month blend of regular learning. As part of this unique programme, CSA and Lowell also included Mental and Financial wellbeing training, working with Money Ready, a youth financial literacy charity, to deliver engaging content. This resulted in all apprentices taking immediate action to improve their own wellbeing, and then using this knowledge to help Lowell’s customers.

Commenting on the win, CSA Director of Learning and Development Harvey Watson said: “I am delighted that we have picked up another award this year for our work on this initiative. Different sets of judges are clearly impressed with the evidence-based success of the collaboration and are recognising the benefits bespoke training can bring to both business and employee. When a training programme is tailored to a business’ needs as well as the needs of its staff, it is a cost-effective way to develop and retain skilled staff. Winning this industry award again, against tough competition (again!), helps to solidify our position as one of the top training providers working in the sector and I would urge any members interested in this type of bespoke training to get in touch!”

Kathryn Morgan, Lowell Financial’s Managing Director added: “We are thrilled to have been recognised alongside the CSA for our joint commitment to developing our people and supporting customer wellbeing. This award highlights the value of tailored, collaborative training programmes in equipping our colleagues with the skills and confidence to make a real difference to customers’ lives, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Our partnership with the CSA has enabled us to deliver meaningful, practical learning that puts wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.”

The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday 16 October at The Monastery in Manchester.