The Co-op has launched a recruitment drive across Lanarkshire in a bid to bring in new member representatives to have a say in the running of the group.
Locals would become involved in the running of their food stores, such as the one on Rutherglen's Main Street, the firm's funeral homes, legal services business and insurance arm.
Members’ Council leaders have said they are especially interested in applications from members within under-represented societal groups, such as ethnic minorities, candidates with disabilities, and those from the LGBTQ+ community.
There are currently 24 vacancies on the Co-op National Members’ Council who work closely with the board and senior managers to ensure the voice of their 4.23m active members is heard throughout the group.
Louise Walker from the council’s Diversity Working Group is encouraging applications from those who will ensure the council better reflects the diversity of Co-op’s members overall.
She told Lanarkshire Live : "As a co-operative, we welcome applications from all eligible members, and I can’t stress that enough.
"In 2021, we proudly elected our first black female president and are working especially hard to be more inclusive and build a council that finds new ways to support all members, especially those who may feel marginalised or discriminated against in society.
"I’m really excited that these elections could bring critical new ideas and perspectives to what we do."
Council representatives can serve a term between one and three years.
The 100 people that make up the Council come from all walks of life and include ordinary members, such as people who trade with Co-op’s businesses, colleague members and members from independent co-operative societies.
The council continues to encourage all members to participate in Co-op governance, while educating, informing and planning how to champion Co-op’s ‘Co-operating for a Fairer World’ vision.
To qualify to stand for election as a council representative, members need to have joined before January 2019 and to have earned 500 membership points (the equivalent of spending around £10 a week on groceries in Co-op Food stores) between January 3, 2021 and January 1, 2022.
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