AGM 2026
You can make a difference.
Please vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Your AGM
You'll find everything you need in the AGM documents section, including the Notice of Meeting - which provides details on what you can vote on.
Online and postal voting before the meeting has now closed.
Online voting closes at 5pm on Friday 24 April 2026.
Vote online and we’ll donate 35p to FareShare our charity partner, up to a maximum of £25,000.
Tuesday 28 April 2026
To join the meeting, ask questions and vote online live at 2.30pm, please use the button anytime from 2pm on the day.
AGM documents
Meet your Board
Who are you voting for?
Your Board is made up of a number of directors that are there to represent you, our members.
Elaine Bucknor
Independent Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director for Workforce Engagement (from 1 January 2026).
Joined the Board in September 2025
Background and career
Elaine has held executive, operational and consultancy roles with leading companies in Telecommunications, Media, Technology, Travel and Utilities.
Her last executive role was at Sky as Group Director of Technology Strategic Services and Group Chief Information Security Officer. She led technology strategy and strengthened cyber security across the organisation. Elaine has previously held Non-Executive Director roles at Darktrace plc, Notting Hill Genesis and Smoove Limited.
“Technology should empower and protect. I use my experience in strategy and cyber security to help the Board deliver innovation that keeps members safe and confident.”
Skills and experience
30 years in technology, delivering complex multinational programmes.
Expertise in technology strategies to support organisational transformation and growth.
Society committee membership
Member of Board Risk Committee.
Other roles
Non-Executive Director for Hoptroff London Limited, Currys Plc and Reed Global Limited. Strategic advisor to PwC and an advisor to RiverSafe Limited and ISTARI.
Susan Allen, OBE
Chief Executive
Joined the Board in 2023
Background and career
Susan has held senior executive roles at some of the UK’s largest retail banks, including Barclays, Santander UK and Royal Bank of Scotland. She has led major transformation programmes and driven customer-focused change throughout her career.
Before joining YBS, Susan was Head of Customer Transformation at Barclays, leading and supporting frontline teams to deliver outstanding service. At Santander UK, she was Chief Transformation Officer before becoming Chief Executive Officer for Retail and Business Banking, supporting 15 million customers with a nationwide network of branches and contact centres.
Susan is Deputy Chair of the Building Societies Association.
“I believe our members deserve simplicity, transparency and care in every interaction. My experience in transforming customer service helps us deliver that every day - to make life easier for our members.”
Skills and experience
Over 30 years in financial services across diverse businesses.
Proven track record in transformation and customer experience.
Champion of diversity and inclusion throughout her career.
Other roles
Director of TheCityUK and Trustee of the Alzheimer’s Society.
Peter Bole
Independent Non-Executive Director
Joined the Board in 2024
Background and career
Peter was the Chief Financial Officer for esure Group plc during a period of digital transformation for the business. Before that, he was Chief Finance Officer at Tesco Bank and Virgin Money, later becoming Group Integration Director at Virgin Money. He has also held senior roles at RBS Insurance, Standard Life and Deloitte.
“Strong financial oversight is vital, but so is progress. I use my experience in finance and transformation to help the Board deliver innovation that benefits members.”
Skills and experience
Over 25 years in finance leadership roles across banking and insurance.
Expertise in managing growth and transformation in consumer-focused businesses.
Society committee membership
Chair of Board Audit Committee. Member of Board Remuneration Committee. Member of Board Risk Committee.
Other roles
None.
Angela Darlington
Independent Non-Executive Director, Vice Chair and Whistleblowing Champion (from 1 January 2026)
Joined the Board in 2022
Background and career
Angela spent 20 years at Aviva PLC in senior roles, including Chief Executive Officer of UK Life, where she led the UK Insurance business and served on the Aviva Leadership Team.
She was previously Group Chief Risk Officer for Aviva PLC, responsible for risk management at Group level.
“Strong governance builds confidence. I draw on my experience in risk and leadership to help the Board make decisions that protect and benefit members.”
Skills and experience
Deep technical expertise in risk and financial services.
Ability to contribute to strategic planning and oversight.
Society committee membership
Chair of Board Risk Committee. Member of Board Audit Committee. Member of Board Governance and Nominations Committee.
Other roles
Independent Non-Executive Director of Rothesay Life (including member of the Risk Committee, Audit Committee, Governance & Nominations Committee and Customer & Conduct Committee). Member of Council for the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (including Chair of the Finance & Development Committee).
Annemarie Durbin
Board Chair
Joined in 2023 as Board Chair Designate
Became Board Chair in 2024
Background and career
Annemarie has over 35 years of international business and banking experience. She has worked across retail, commercial, corporate and institutional banking. Most of her executive career was at Standard Chartered, a FTSE 100 international bank, where she ultimately joined the Group Executive Committee.
She held senior global roles at Standard Chartered, including CEO and Executive Director of its listed business in Thailand and CEO in the Philippines.
Annemarie’s Non-Executive Director positions have included Petershill Partners PLC, WH Smith Plc, Santander UK plc, Chair of Cater Allen Limited and Chair of the FCA’s Listing Authority Advisory Panel. She is also an executive coach and mentor.
“My role is to ensure strong oversight ensuring the Board performs at its best. I’m focused on protecting members’ interests. Members can count on us to keep their money safe and invest in a Society that’s built to last – for today and for generations to come.”
Skills and experience
Extensive expertise in banking, leadership and talent, transformation and corporate governance.
Significant experience in remuneration, including as a Remuneration Committee Chair and in audit, risk and responsible banking from committee roles at Santander UK plc.
Society committee membership
Chair of Board Governance and Nominations Committee.
Other roles
Senior Independent Director and Chair of Remuneration Committee at Persimmon Plc.
Mark Parsons
Senior Independent Director
Board Consumer Duty/Member Champion.
Joined the Board in 2020
Background and career
Mark was Chief Executive of Coventry Building Society from 2014 until 2020. He has extensive experience in retail financial services, including senior roles at Barclays and Abbey National, and time at PwC. At Barclays, he was Chief Finance Officer for Retail and Business Banking and Deputy CEO of Barclays UK Retail Bank.
“Good outcomes for members is both an emotional and rational commitment. I use my experience at building societies and in banking to ensure we remain focused strongly on putting members first in all ways.”
Skills and experience
Over 35 years in financial services.
Expertise across finance, HR, product, retail management, risk and investor relations.
Society committee membership
Member of Board Audit Committee. Member of Board Governance and Nominations Committee. Member of Board Risk Committee. Member of Board Environmental and Social Purpose Committee.
Other roles
Non-Executive Director of Fairstone Capital Group Limited.
Janet Pope
Independent Non-Executive Director
Joined the Board in 2024
Background and career
Janet spent 16 years at Lloyds Banking Group, including roles running the savings business and as Chief of Staff and Chief Sustainability Officer, both Group Executive Committee roles. Janet was previously CEO at Alliance Trust Savings and held senior roles at Visa and Standard Chartered including Retail Banking MD for Africa.
“My role is to make sure we act responsibly and support members and communities. I use my experience in sustainability and governance to help the Board deliver on its commitments.”
Skills and experience
Extensive retail banking expertise and strong corporate governance knowledge.
Proven track record in driving successful strategy and improving diversity.
Significant non-executive experience in government departments, charities and the private sector.
Society committee membership
Chair of Board Environmental and Social Purpose Committee. Member of Board Remuneration Committee.
Other roles
Chair of Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) Bank and Chair of Nominations and Remuneration Committee. Non-Executive Director and Chair of Audit and Risk Committee for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Trustee of StepChange Debt Charity and The Camden School for Girls.
Tom Ranger
Chief Financial Officer
Joined the Board in 2024
Background and career
Tom joined the Society from Santander UK plc, where he spent 16 years. For the last seven years, he was UK Group Treasurer. He was also a Non-Executive Board Director of Santander Financial Services plc and Senior Officer of Santander International’s Jersey Branch.
Tom began his career at Northern Rock in 1999. He moved to Alliance & Leicester in 2007, just before its acquisition by Banco Santander SA plc in 2008.
“My role is to make sure we stay financially resilient – protecting the long-term financial stability of the Society and keeping our members money safe.”
Skills and experience
Over 25 years’ experience in financial services.
Significant expertise in UK retail banking finance and treasury.
Specialist knowledge in markets, funding, capital and liquidity management, balance sheet planning, interest rate risk, pensions, stress testing and investor relations.
Other roles
Chair of Accord Mortgages Limited and Chair of Norwich & Peterborough (LBS) Limited. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Society.
Contact us
For any queries please contact:
In writing to:
Member Office,
Yorkshire Building Society,
Yorkshire House,
Yorkshire Drive,
Bradford BD5 8LJ
On the day
Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026
| Location | The Queens Hotel, City Square, Leeds, LS1 1PJ |
| Registration desk opens | 1.45pm |
| Time of meeting | 2.30pm |
| By rail | The Queens Hotel is just a 2 minute walk from Leeds Station. For train times visit: nationrail.co.uk or wymetro.com |
| By bus | There are frequent buses from Leeds Bus Station to close to The Queen’s Hotel. Alternatively it is approximately a 15 minute walk from the bus station. For bus times visit: wymetro.com |
| By car | To find the hotel using a sat nav please use the postcode LS1 1PJ. There is an NCP car park at Leeds Station (charges will apply). |
How can I join in or watch the AGM online?
Join our AGM live online at 2.30pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026. Any votes cast during the meeting will be used as your final vote, even if you have already voted by post or used the online voting site.
If you receive your AGM information by post:
Click the vote button and log in using the voting codes on your letter and the meeting code 30421.
If you receive your AGM information online:
We’ll send you a personal link by email to go direct to the meeting on the day.
Can I come along to the meeting?
We’d love to see you at the meeting. Please bring your Chair’s Letter or proof of membership, like your passbook or recent statement. You’ll find all the details you need on this page, including directions and timings for the day.
How will I know if there are any last minute changes to the AGM?
We don’t expect anything to stop the meeting going ahead but if we do need to make any changes we’ll communicate these:
On this webpage.
In our branches and agencies.
On our Facebook and X pages.
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