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Dudley Building Society Appoints Jayne Roberts and Richard McDonald to Senior Leadership Team

By Lauren Towner · 3 August 2026

In brief: Dudley Building Society has appointed Jayne Roberts as Head of Lending and Richard McDonald as Brand and Communications Manager to drive its specialist lending growth and market engagement strategy.

Key facts
New Head of LendingJayne Roberts
New Brand ManagerRichard McDonald
Experience Level20-year career at Lloyds Banking Group
Press Release: Dudley Building Society Appoints Jayne Roberts and Richard McDonald to Senior Leadership Team | Featured Image by FF News

Quick Summary

Dudley Building Society has appointed Jayne Roberts as Head of Lending and Richard McDonald as Brand and Communications Manager. These strategic hires aim to scale the society's specialist lending expertise and enhance its market profile through compelling storytelling and improved stakeholder engagement across the UK mortgage sector.

How Does Dudley Building Society Scale Its Specialist Lending?

Dudley Building Society solves the challenge of complex mortgage requirements by hiring industry veterans who prioritize human-led decision-making. By appointing Jayne Roberts, formerly of Skipton Building Society, the organization is doubling down on its mortgage proposition development and underwriting operations. This move ensures that specialist lending expertise remains at the forefront of their growth strategy.

  • Strategic leadership for the lending function and underwriting.
  • Focus on well-informed decisions for complex applications.
  • Enhanced support for intermediary broker partners.

What Impact Will New Brand Leadership Have on Stakeholders?

Here is how Dudley Building Society solves the need for clear market positioning for its members and brokers. With Richard McDonald joining after a 20-year career at Lloyds Banking Group, the society will implement a new communications and engagement strategy. This initiative focuses on compelling storytelling to bring the society's purpose and member proposition to life in a competitive financial landscape.

  • 20-year career background in major banking groups.
  • Focus on consistent communications across all touchpoints.
  • Strengthening the Society's profile with external stakeholders.

Jayne Roberts, Head of Lending at Dudley Building Society, said:

“The specialist lending market continues to evolve, but one thing remains constant: good lending depends on experienced people making well-informed decisions and understanding the circumstances behind every application.”

FF NEWS TAKE:

This double appointment by Dudley Building Society definitely moves the needle for the regional building society sector. By poaching talent from heavyweights like Skipton and Lloyds, Dudley is signaling its intent to compete at a higher level in specialist lending. In an era of automated credit scoring, their commitment to experienced human underwriting is a vital differentiator that will resonate strongly with brokers and complex borrowers alike.

Frequently asked questions

Who are the new senior hires at Dudley Building Society?

Dudley Building Society has appointed Jayne Roberts as the new Head of Lending and Richard McDonald as the Brand and Communications Manager. Roberts joins from Skipton Building Society, while McDonald brings 20 years of experience from Lloyds Banking Group.

What is the focus of the new Head of Lending at Dudley Building Society?

Jayne Roberts will lead the lending function, focusing on the development of the mortgage proposition and underwriting operations. Her goal is to expand the society's specialist lending expertise while maintaining high service standards for brokers and members.

How will Richard McDonald change Dudley Building Society's communications?

As Brand and Communications Manager, Richard McDonald will lead the society's engagement strategy. He aims to strengthen the society's profile through compelling storytelling and ensuring clear, consistent communications across all member and broker touchpoints.

About the companies

BM Solutions

2 stories on FF News since 2026

Previously on FF News:

Lloyds Banking Group

Website · 202 stories and 19 video interviews on FF News since 2018

Previously on FF News:

Skipton Building Society

Website · 7 stories on FF News since 2021

Previously on FF News:

Companies in this story: BM Solutions, Lloyds Banking Group, Skipton Building Society, Halifax Intermediaries, Dudley Building Society

People in this story: Jayne Roberts, Rob Oliver, Richard McDonald

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