Group launches drive for more member directors

The Co-operative Group has launched a recruitment drive among its members to identify potential directors for its main board.

The board is responsible for determining the strategy for the Group, meeting the needs of its members and holding the executive to account in the performance of its duties. It currently includes three member nominated director (MND) seats, one of which is up for election at the organisation’s annual meeting in May. Subject to a rule change being approved by members at the AGM, a fourth MND will be be added, taking the board to 12 seats.

“We now have a highly experienced board in place and we are already seeing the benefits of this translate through into the performance and strategic direction of our business,” said Allan Leighton, chair of the board. “This is a fantastic opportunity for Co-op members to make their contribution felt in the boardroom, ensuring our co‑operative values and principles are woven into the fabric of the commercially and socially motivated decisions we make.”

Under the group’s new governance framework, implemented following Lord Myner’s report into governance at the Group, the board has voiced its commitment to working closely with the senate and members’ council “to ensure a strong member voice is heard throughout the organisation”.

The seats are open to any Co-operative Group member who has been an individual member of the organisation for at least three years immediately prior to the end of the preceding financial year, and must meet certain trading requirements. They must also be:

• Commercially minded with the ability to rigorously hold the executive management team to account for the Group’s financial and trading performance
• Committed to upholding co-operative values and principles, with knowledge of how they should and can be applied in a large-scale commercial enterprise.

Nick Crofts, president of the Co-operative Group members’ council, said: “We have an excellent board in place which is committed to working with the members’ council to deliver a stronger, more co-operative business for our members and their communities. Our MNDs have done a fantastic job this year in ensuring that member thinking lies firmly within our decision making process. This is a fabulous opportunity for our members to maintain this momentum and play a vital role in shaping the future of our iconic business.”

Candidates can find information, including how to apply, at www.co-operative.coop/elections and have until 4 January to put themselves forward.