Favourite Co-op Carrier Bag
Standing for election as Vice-President
I collect co-op carrier bags.*
Does that make me a co-op nerd? (Not just Co-op Group carrier bags mind, or those of our independent society members, but overseas ones too. My favourite? Canada’s tragically now-demutualised Mountain Equipment Co-op – big lessons around governance failings there.)
I also believe our Co-op has the potential to change the world.
I hope I’m in good company here. Over the years I’ve dedicated a big chunk of my time to being an active Co-op member – I’m currently elected by you as a volunteer trustee of our highly successful charity the Co-op Foundation, and served as Director of Co-operatives UK.
It helps that Co-op is now cool again
‘Co-operating for a fairer world’ and ‘We care about the world we share’ are fantastic introductory ways to describe why our Co-op is a different way of doing business. Because too few people – especially younger people – know about the co-op difference, our commitment to changing the world, and the important role supporting local communities as we recover from COVID.
Many members still just see us a small shop with a loyalty card and a tongue-coruscating but tasty line of Sea Salt and Chardonnay Wine Vinegar crisps.
A tiny, dwindling proportion now take part in our democracy, and few have heard of the National Members’ Council (NMC) – despite being the representative voice of the member-owners. (In 2019 Senate backed my proposal for an NMC Twitter account to communicate better – like Co-op Young Members Group has, @cymb – but we unfortunately still only have the hashtag #CoopNMC). This is very limiting, and frankly a bit embarrassing, and as Vice President, I want to improve our communications.
The NMC has a key governance role to play in making sure our Co-op stays true to its mission and plays by the Rules.
As Vice President, I want to look at how we can do this even better, drawing on the skills of more Council members so everyone has the opportunity to take part. We can do more to work together collectively to scrutinise decisions: around membership, fair trade, community, building local co-op member groups, and how we use our profits, as well as more effective reporting back to members on how we are applying our values and principles. After all, they are our USP – and it is our job to uphold them.
I’ve got the knowledge, experience, contacts, commitment and positive, proactive approach and can-do attitude needed to get things done.
As Vice President, I commissioned influential Council research at Senate – from informing the development of Member Pioneers, to instigating Council’s co-operative member education, training and information (CMETI) work. This research brought together the Co-op College, Co-op Press and Co-operatives UK to provide expert guidance on developing a programme of member education. This work really goes to the heart of what the Council should be about, and I am now seeking your support for the opportunity to put this programme into practice.
*plastic and tote
Seeking re-election to the Co-op’s National Members’ Council
I love our Co-op – it’s one of the most important institutions in the country. At this time of crisis, it’s been leading the way, showing the importance and power of co-operation.
I’m standing for re-election to the Co-op National Members’ Council as I want the Co-op to continue the great work it’s doing.
Since my election in 2017 I’ve worked hard on behalf of Co-op members. I’ve helped achieve things such as:
- funding for more than a thousand Member Pioneers to engage with members and bring people together in the local community
- opening up the Co-op’s Local Community Fund to more local community groups and co-ops
- bringing forward ideas for a new Co-op programme of co-operative Member Education and Training, enabling members to be better informed about the co-op they own
About me
I’ve been a committed co-operator since I was in Woodcraft Folk.
I’ve been fortunate as a Co-op member to benefit from a great co-operative education through the Young Co-operators programme, and more recently studying for my Certificate and Diploma in Co-operation. This has helped me understand how important an active and engaged membership is to the financial and democratic health of our Co-op.
Experience as a Co-op National Members’ Council Member
- Co-op National Members’ Council-appointed Trustee of the Co-op Foundation, the Co-op’s national charity
- Representing North London on the Co-op Party London Party Council
- Co-op National Members’ Council Vice-President, 2015-19
- Director of Co-ops UK, the network for Britain’s thousands of co-operatives, 2016-2019, helping provide strategic leadership to the co-op sector across the country