Nominations have opened to be on the Co-operative Group’s members’ council. We spoke with four members to find out what it’s like serving on the council …
Barbara Vaterlaws
Why did you join the council?
Applying to join the council seemed a natural progression from being involved and active locally with the Co-op. I was surprised at my election success but delighted to take up the challenge.
What is its/your biggest success to date?
I regard my biggest success as being accepted onto the food policy working group. Here I have the opportunity to influence what is probably the most important matter to our members and customers – what goes onto the shelves in our stores.
What have you found challenging?
The biggest challenge is managing in a meaningful way all the council and committee business – reading, analysing and identifying opportunities to raise questions at council meetings.
Ayo Ogolo
Why did you join the council?
I joined the Co-op because of my business skill base and experience working with BAME communities, and in identifying community cohesive work which would allow for economical equity within a marginalised area of Manchester.
What is its/your biggest success to date?
At a community level, a recent breakthrough which helped me to connect with local members relates to my recent stint as a Christmas craft stall holder, hosted by my local Co-op in Whalley Range.
What have you found challenging?
It’s been quite a challenge to explore and share members’ BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) experiences across the Co-op, and it’s an area the Co-ops need to discuss openly and honestly with its customers and members through its stores, membership events and at board and council level.
Sam Hale
Why did you join the council?
I joined the council because I wanted to get involved with setting the direction of the Group at a turning point in its history. It’s a huge privilege to be on the council at such an exciting time for our organisation and the wider co-operative movement.
What is its/your biggest success to date?
The most exciting project since I have been on the council has been the launch of our new membership proposition, underpinned by the 5% + 1% reward on own brand products. As a council we have been involved in the thinking behind the brand relaunch, and overseen the implementation of the scheme.
What have you found challenging?
Although the council has progressed in many ways, in others it is still finding its bite, finding that balance to ensure we are critical friend to the board while still championing the issues our members care about. It’s a challenge that we as a council are actively working to overcome.
Chris McCaughan
Why did you join the council?
I was a local councillor who initially helped to get planning permission for a Co-op store in my town of Ballycastle. On leaving politics, I was asked to join the Antrim Area committee, and was pleased to be elected by my local members. I was elected to the members’ council during its first elections in 2015 for a three-year term.
What is its/your biggest success to date?
My biggest success was being part of the work to integrate our area committees into our new members’ council. I’m very proud to represent members from Northern Ireland in the members’ council.
What have you found challenging?
What I find the most challenging is serving as on our local Co-op forum. I work hard to ensure that local community causes maintain a level of funding provided to them. I love council work, as there is a lot to gain from it and the time and effort put into the work. It gives you that ‘feel-good factor’ and forms great friendships along the way.
