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Co-op council is looking for new blood





The council acts as the guardian of the Co-op's values and principles – including helping charity – with the power to hold the group board to account.
The council acts as the guardian of the Co-op's values and principles – including helping charity – with the power to hold the group board to account.

The Co-op has launched a recruitment drive across Badenoch and Strathspey calling for new member representatives to have a say in the running of the group and its holdings.

These include food stores, funeral homes, legal services business and an insurance arm.

Members council leaders have said that they are especially interested in applications from members within under-represented groups this year, including those from ethnic minorities, candidates with disabilities and those from the LGBTQ+ community.

Across the UK, there are 24 vacancies on the Co-op National Members’ Council which works closely with the board and senior managers to ensure the voice of all 4.23 million active members is heard throughout the group.

There are three vacancies on offer out of the 10 council positions representing Scotland.

Louise Walker from the council’s diversity working group is encouraging applications from those who will ensure the body better reflects the diversity of Co-op’s members overall.

She said: “As a co-operative, we welcome applications from all eligible members, and I can’t stress that enough.

"In 2021, we proudly elected our first black female president and are working especially hard to be more inclusive and build a council which will find new ways to support all members, especially those who may feel marginalised or discriminated against in society.

“I’m really excited that these elections could bring critical new ideas and perspectives to what we do.”

Council representatives can serve a term between one and three years.

The 100 people that make up the council come from all walks of life and include ordinary members (people who trade with Co-op’s businesses); colleague members and members from independent co-operative societies.

To qualify to stand for election as a council representative, members need to have joined before January 2019 and have earned 500 membership points (the equivalent of spending around £10 a week on groceries in Co-op Food stores) between 3 January 2021 and 1 January 2022.

Candidates can find information at www.co-operative.coop/councilelection and can apply until midday on 25 February.


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