Change to Board of Directors

Provident Financial PLC
15 May 2000

Appointment of non-executive director

Key Biographical Details of John Maxwell

Provident Financial plc announces that it has appointed John Maxwell as a
non-executive director of the Company with effect from today (15 May 2000).
From 1996 to February of this year John Maxwell was Director General of the
Automobile Association and from 1994 to 1996 he was corporate development
director of Prudential Corporation with responsibility for group strategy and
international operations.

Provident Financial plc also announces that J C Hodkinson has resigned as a
non-executive director of the Company with effect from 12 May 2000.

Additional Information Required by the Listing Rules

John Maxwell is a chartered accountant and is also currently a director of
Wellington Underwriting plc, Wellington Underwriting Agencies Limited, The
Institute of Advanced Motorists Limited, Chandlers Reach Residents Limited and
PPC Vision Limited (of which he is chairman). He is also a governor of the
Royal Ballet School. There is no other information to be disclosed pursuant to
paragraphs 6.F.2(b)-(g) of the Listing Rules.

Contact number for queries:
Mrs R J Marshall Smith

Contact telephone number:
01274 731111 extension 2356

Name of company official responsible for making notification:
Mrs R J Marshall Smith

Date of notification:
15 May 2000