Supporting Vulnerable Debtors Sheffield Branch Learns From the Experts
In these uncertain economic times, the Sheffield & District Branch hosted an insightful evening focused on supporting vulnerable debtors. The event, held at The Curzon, a stunning Grade II listed building that formerly housed The Sheffield Banking Company, provided a unique opportunity for members and guests to gain valuable knowledge from an industry expert. Attendees were joined by guest speaker, Darren Kelk, who boasts over 26 years of experience in debt collection and currently heads Ascendant Solutions Limited, a company specialising in data platforms for commercial and consumer collections, risk, and analytical solutions to the Public Sector.
How Local Authorities use Data
Darren's presentation delved into his innovative product, Pathway, exploring how data is acquired, processed, and utilised to empower Local Authorities in offering immediate assistance to individuals in need. He also shed light on The Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS), a revolutionary platform that empowers vulnerable individuals to register their status, eliminating the need to repeatedly explain their circumstances to lenders and creditors. The VRS strives to safeguard vulnerable consumers from the detrimental effects of debt and financial hardship.
How data is used to tailor assistance
Darren's insightful talk further delved into the utilisation of geospatial data to create heatmaps, enabling Local Authorities to identify areas with vulnerable populations and tailor their assistance accordingly. He went on to discuss the advantages of open banking in generating accurate income and expenditure statements.
The evening concluded with a resounding success, with attendees expressing their appreciation to Darren Kelk, The Curzon, and everyone involved. As one guest remarked, "As always, an enjoyable and informative evening." The Sheffield & District Branch's commitment to providing valuable learning opportunities and fostering connections within the industry is truly commendable.
