CO-OP has launched a recruitment drive for its council across the Weston and Somerset area, aimed especially at members from minority communities.

These include members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minorities, candidates with disabilities and people from younger age groups.

The organisation urges new its members to help run its food stores, funeral homes, legal business and insurance arm.  

Across the UK, there are 26 vacancies on the Co-op National Members' Council, which works closely with the Board to ensure the voices of more than four million active members is heard throughout the group.

Ensuring that all minority groups are represented is crucial to the organisation's values. 

According to the Co-op's website, their values include:

  • Self-help
  • Democracy
  • Self-responsibility
  • Equality
  • Equity
  • Solidarity 

If any of these values resonate with you, the organisation urges you to consider putting in an application.

Denise Scott-McDonald, the Members’ Council’s President, is encouraging applications from people who want to help Co-op tackle the big issues, such as the cost of living crisis.

Scott-McDonald said: “As a co-operative, we welcome applications from all eligible members, and I can’t stress that enough. If we want to create a fairer world for everyone, we need to represent as many different voices as possible in our work and our Co-op.

“Right now, there’s so much to address and help out with. We know that people are keen to support however they can and being part of Co-op and the Members’ Council is a fantastic way to get involved."

Council representatives can serve a term between one and three years.

The 100 people that currently make up the council come from all walks of life and include ordinary members (people who trade with Co-op’s businesses); colleague members and members from independent co-operative societies.

Council members will be encouraged to participate and champion their 'Co-operating for a Fairer World' vision, which strives for equality for all. 

To qualify to stand for election as a Council representative, members need to have joined before January 2020 and have earned 500 membership points (the equivalent of spending around £10 a week on groceries in Co-op Food stores) between January 2nd 2022 and December 31st 2022.

For more information how you can stand for election, visit the Co-op's webpage.