Co-op Group opens nominations for members’ council elections

Nominations are open for this year’s elections to the Co-op Group members’ council, which was put in place to uphold its values and principles and hold the board to account.

Members will mostly serve a three-year term and take their seats following the Group’s AGM on 20 May.

This year, there are 26 seats up for election across 12 regions: Cymru/Wales (2); East Midlands (2); East of England (2); London (2); North East (1); North West (1); Northern Ireland (1); Scotland (3); South East (3); South West (4); West Midlands (2; one seat for a two-year term); Yorkshire and Humber (3).

Candidates have until noon on 17 February to apply and, to be eligible, they need to have:

• been a Co-op member since 5 January 2014
• earned at least 1,000 trading points between 3 January 2016 and 31 December 2016
• earned at least 500 of these points by spending across any of the wholly owned businesses in the Co-op Group (Co-op Food, Co-op Electrical, Co-op Insurance, Co-op Funeralcare).

Duties include a mandatory induction weekend for new members (16 – 18 June) and core training during the term of office. Members will also attend meetings throughout the year at 1 Angel Square in Manchester.

The dates are: Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May; Saturday 8 July; Saturday 30 September; Saturday 2 December.

Council members will receive an annual fee of £3,000, plus travel costs and expenses, and will also receive an employee discount card, which can be used at Co-op Food stores and other Group businesses.

• Potential candidates can apply online. To check your eligibility, email: [email protected].