The Co-operative Group calls on members to stand in board and council elections
The Co-operative Group has called on its members to play a direct role in the future of the organisation by standing in the first ever elections for the newly formed Group Board and Council.
Nominations have opened for both the 100 strong national Members’ Council and the Group Board following the approval of the group’s governance reforms in August last year.
The Co-operative Group said the new Council will be responsible for ensuring The Co-operative’s values and principles are upheld and will scrutinise the board’s decisions. In addition to the Council elections, nominations are also being sought to fill the three seats allocated to members on the Group’s new Board – Member Nominated Directors.
The constitutional reforms have been designed to strengthen the experience and professionalism of the Group’s governance and ensure better accountability to the Society’s eight million members.
The Co-operative Group Chair Ursula Lidbetter, said: “This is a historic moment for The Co-operative Group and the wider Co-operative movement. The Group is beginning a three-year rebuild and we are putting in place a Board with the right skills and experience to govern that change. As Group Board directors, our three MNDs will, collectively with other Board members, be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Group and safeguarding the interests of all our members.”
Lesley Reznicek, President of the transitional member Council, added: “This is a truly exciting opportunity for our members to take an active role in the recovery of a great British business. It’s a fundamental aspect of all Co-ops that their members are represented at the highest levels of the business and that their interests and concerns are central to decision making. The Council and the three Member Nominated Board Directors will provide that guarantee.”
The closing date for nominations is 25 February.
