The Co-op Group, a co-operative owned by its members rather than shareholders, boasts a democratic structure that allows its members to choose some of the most senior roles. The Board comprises 11 directors, four of which are nominated by members through a ballot, and all directors are members themselves. The company also has a 100-member National Members Council that holds the board accountable for their decisions through six annual meetings.
Members’ proposals can shape the company’s direction, such as a push for greater animal welfare considerations in its products and a fairer world for young people. One proposal even underscores the importance of teaching the cooperative business model in schools. The Annual General Meeting will take place in the Auditorium at Manchester Central.
While independent non-executive directors are put forward by the board for election or re-election, the highest level of members’ involvement is seen in the election of member-nominated directors. These directors take up positions on the board to represent the members’ interests, oversee business and financial strategy, and ensure that the members’ needs and wants become an integral part of the company.
This year, four candidates are vying for the coveted role of member-nominated director. Chartered accountant John Dalley, currently serving as society secretary and CFO on the Members’ Council at Scotmid, aims to balance business and energy costs against hard-pressed members’ and colleagues’ needs while providing support for local communities. Christine Tacon, who led Co-op’s farming business for 11 years and worked as the groceries code adjudicator, wants to put members’ voices at the heart of the decision-making process and genuinely listen to them.
Ben Reid, former CEO of Midcounties Cooperative and Elected Director of the International Cooperative Alliance, gained valuable experience in tackling ongoing economic conditions. He believes that the experience he gained as CEO of an independent society puts him in a unique position to support management in delivering commercial success. Margaret Casely-Hayford, the current member-nominated director and chair of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Coventry University, aims to empower the company’s board by reducing plastic waste, improving environmental impact, and ensuring greater diversity. Through information and transparency, she believes that the board should be accountable to its members.
The AGM will determine which member-nominated director will take their position on the Board.
