National council seeking new members

Members’ council leaders have said that applications from members within under-represented societal groups are particularly welcome this year, including those from younger age groups, ethnic minorities, candidates with disabilities and those from the LGBTQ+ community.

Across the UK, there are 26 vacancies on the Co-op National Members’ Council, which works closely with the Board and senior managers to ensure the voice of more than four million active members is heard throughout the group.

This year the Members’ Council is focusing on cost of living, member value and business performance, and member participation and community as its three priorities. These areas are intended to highlight both societal and business challenges, as well as where Co-op can have a real difference.

Denise Scott-McDonald, president, is encouraging applications from people who want to help Co-op tackle the big issues that communities are facing.

She said: “We know that people are keen to support however they can and being part of Co-op and the Members’ Council is a fantastic way to get involved and join something bigger.

"We also work closely with Member Nominated Directors and call on the business to take action with motions at our Annual General Meeting, all crucial to engaging with our members and including them in the Co-op they own”.

Council representatives can serve a term between one and three years. The 100 members who make up the body come from all walks of life and include ordinary members employees and members from independent co-operative societies.

To qualify, members need to have joined before January 2020 and have earned 500 membership points between January 2 and December 31, 2022. Candidates can find information at www.co-operative.coop/get-involved/councilelection and can apply until midday on Thursday, February 23.