2011
Committee elections
My revolution:
to represent you
Your
candidates
Cymru / Wales Region
West Wales Area
Exclusive member offers
for your car and home
When you take out The Co-operative
car insurance. Breakdown cover includes:
Roadside Assistance, Recovery,
Home Start and European Cover
PLUS
Most people could save up to £85
^Guaranteed courtesy car as standard
*When you take out The Co-operative
home insurance
PLUS
Home Emergency Cover for just 12p
(normally £24)
FREE
Legal Expenses Cover
The Co-operative Insurance is a brand name used by CIS General Insurance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Service Authority. Registered Office: Miller Street, Manchester M60 0AL. Registered in England Number 29999R.
Calls may be monitored or recorded for security and training purposes. For BT customers, calls to 0800 numbers are free. *Courtesy car is available when your vehicle is undergoing an insured repair at a Co-operative Insurance approved repairer. Applicants for insurance are subject to underwriting criteria.
Half price
comprehensive
breakdown cover
available for just
£30
Save
25%
on Buildings, Contents
or Combined
cover
To catch this exclusive offer call
0800 731 1935
and quote campaign code MEM30 Offer ends 30th September 2011
To catch this exclusive offer call
0800 022 4510
and quote campaign code MEM25 Offer ends 30th September 2011 ^Based on online independent research by Consumer
Intelligence between 1 April and 30th April 2011.
3
Join the revolution:
make your vote count
Thank you for taking the time to vote in
The Co-operative Membership 2011 elections,
your vote really does make a difference.
2011 elections
This booklet has all the information you
need to know about the people who would like
to represent you on your Area Committee.
The process of voting is very easy, and just
takes a little time for you to consider which of
the candidates you would prefer to represent
your views.
To help your deliberations we have broken up
the process into four easy steps:
On page 4 you will find some
information about your current Area
Committee and on the following page we
tell you more about how many places are
available on your committee.
On page 7 you will find information
on what questions we have asked
candidates that should help you make your
decision. This is then followed by the
responses provided by each candidate.
Once you have a good idea of
what each representative stands
for, use the ballot paper to indicate your
preferences. All the details you need about
the election can be found on the ballot paper.
Remember, you can vote online if you prefer.
Again further details are provided on the
ballot paper.
Sit back and relax, feeling great
that you have done something that
will really make a difference to you, your
community and the co-operative you part own.
Thanks again for your support.
STEP
2
STEP
3
STEP
4
STEP1
Exclusive member offers
for your car and home
When you take out The Co-operative
car insurance. Breakdown cover includes:
Roadside Assistance, Recovery,
Home Start and European Cover
PLUS
Most people could save up to £85
^Guaranteed courtesy car as standard
*When you take out The Co-operative
home insurance
PLUS
Home Emergency Cover for just 12p
(normally £24)
FREE
Legal Expenses Cover
The Co-operative Insurance is a brand name used by CIS General Insurance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Service Authority. Registered Office: Miller Street, Manchester M60 0AL. Registered in England Number 29999R.
Calls may be monitored or recorded for security and training purposes. For BT customers, calls to 0800 numbers are free. *Courtesy car is available when your vehicle is undergoing an insured repair at a Co-operative Insurance approved repairer. Applicants for insurance are subject to underwriting criteria.
Half price
comprehensive
breakdown cover
available for just
£30
Save
25%
on Buildings, Contents
or Combined
cover
To catch this exclusive offer call
0800 731 1935
and quote campaign code MEM30 Offer ends 30th September 2011
To catch this exclusive offer call
0800 022 4510
and quote campaign code MEM25 Offer ends 30th September 2011 ^Based on online independent research by Consumer
Intelligence between 1 April and 30th April 2011.
Your committee
Attendance at
committee meetings
Name
Possible Actual
1 Committee Chair 2 Regional Board member
Your current
committee
For your information, here are details
relating to your current Area Committee:
Area Committee members currently receive an annual fee of £2,173.55 plus expenses, with the Chairs of committees receiving an extra £543.39
Diversity profile
Total number of members
Number of men
Number of women
Age profile
Under 30
31 - 50
51 - 70
Over 70
Not disclosed
Ethnic profile
White
Mixed / multiple ethnic groups
Asian / Asian British
Black / African /
Caribbean / Black British
Other ethnic group
12
10
2
0
2
9
1
0
12
0
0
0
0
Justin Andersen
29
7
Keith Davies
9
9
Sharen Davies
9
6
Tegwen Devichand
9
7
David Evans
9
8
Marshall Greer
19
9
Gareth Jones
9
9
Brian Lavender
9
9
Martin Morris
29
8
Alban Rees
9
8
Peter Richards
9
8
James Roach-John
9
7
Introducing
your Area
Committee
candidates
There are 4 places available on
the West Wales Area Committee.
5 candidates have put themselves forward:
James Roach-John
1Martin Morris
1Naz Malik
Brian Lavender
1Sharen Davies
11 Current committee member
So who’s standing?
4 places for 3 years
The results of the election will be
declared on Wednesday 10th August.
They will be posted on our website:
www.co-operative.coop/membership
and will be publicised widely
in your local trading outlets.
The following terms of office are available:
5 2011 elections
Over ten years ago, we campaigned with our members for the cancellation of Third World debt and
helped make significant progress. But we still see this as
Unfinished Business
.
Today, 95% of Third World debt to the UK is owed to the Government’s Export Credits Guarantee
Department (ECGD). The ECGD backs millions of pounds worth of exports each year to fund overseas
projects, but little thought is given to their impact on human rights or the environment. Worse still,
if they go wrong they can become Third World debts.
But the ECGD could be a force for good so we’re calling on the Government for its reform.
Vote to take action!
Mark the box on your ballot paper and vote to help tackle the
Unfinished Business of Third World debt. We’ll use your details to email your MP on your
behalf asking them to support reform of the ECGD. Find out more or sign up online at
www.co-operative.coop/unfinishedbusiness
Vote
to help tackle the Unfinished
Business of Third World debt
© UN P ho to /T im M cK ul ka FC1134-Style3-FP-Final.indd 1 24/05/2011 14:57
Area Committee members are ideally
passionate about supporting their local
community and its people. They’ll be
creative and will have, or want to gain, an
understanding of our business operations
and of the commercial environment in
which The Co-operative Group operates.
To help you choose who to vote for, each
candidate has provided information about
themselves.
Candidates have been encouraged to
provide responses to a number of questions,
plus a recent photograph. Their answers to
the questions are shown in four separate
sections of their address.
Encouraging diversity
The Co-operative is committed to
supporting our elected bodies in becoming
more representative of the members and
communities that we serve – whether in
respect of gender, age, ethnicity or other
diversity criteria. Liaising closely with our
membership Diversity Working Group we aim
to encourage the involvement of a broader
and more diverse range of members in The
Co-operative Group’s affairs.
Candidates have been encouraged to provide
their age and details of their ethnicity. If they
don’t wish this to be publicised, the term
‘not submitted’ is shown within this booklet.
Candidates had the option of submitting
their election address in a language other
than English.
The aim of publishing candidates’
diversity information is to be open and
transparent about the candidates that
are standing for election, and to assist
voters in making an informed choice.
7
QUESTION 1
What is your current
involvement in The Co-operative Group?
(maximum 30 word response)
QUESTION 2
What qualifications
and / or experience do you possess
that are relevant to the position of
Area Committee member?
(maximum 50 word response)
QUESTION 3
What other qualities
would you bring to the role of Area
Committee member?
(maximum 50 word response)
QUESTION 4
What aspirations do you
have for The Co-operative Group?
(maximum 70 word response)
Who’s who?
2011 elections
Over ten years ago, we campaigned with our members for the cancellation of Third World debt and
helped make significant progress. But we still see this as
Unfinished Business
.
Today, 95% of Third World debt to the UK is owed to the Government’s Export Credits Guarantee
Department (ECGD). The ECGD backs millions of pounds worth of exports each year to fund overseas
projects, but little thought is given to their impact on human rights or the environment. Worse still,
if they go wrong they can become Third World debts.
But the ECGD could be a force for good so we’re calling on the Government for its reform.
Vote to take action!
Mark the box on your ballot paper and vote to help tackle the
Unfinished Business of Third World debt. We’ll use your details to email your MP on your
behalf asking them to support reform of the ECGD. Find out more or sign up online at
www.co-operative.coop/unfinishedbusiness
Vote
to help tackle the Unfinished
Business of Third World debt
© UN P ho to /T im M cK ul ka FC1134-Style3-FP-Final.indd 1 24/05/2011 14:57
“
“
James
Roach-John
Narbeth
Communities First
Co-ordinator
Age: 36
White
Q1
I have been an employee member of the Society since 2004, having been Co-ordinator of one of the first two Communities First Projects to be managed by the Co-operative Group.Q2
• MSc Degree in Development Management
and 10 years experience working in community development
• Chairman of the Haven Credit Union. • Current member of the West Wales Area
Committee & Cymru / Wales Regional Values & Principles Committee
• Committed Co-operator.
Q3
Experienced in committee work, having sat on, and supported a variety of committees. I have a broad understanding of the Society & excellent working relationships in the Group. A balanced decision maker and am a dedicated, approachable and open minded individual, eager to develop my experience and support others.Q4
To develop and support local communities through our membership work.To offer a trusted brand and reliable service whilst continuing to effectively compete in an ever developing market.
For all members to understand their worth to the Society.
For the Co-operative to become a stronger, trusted and locally driven business, meeting with special local and community needs.
To continue to compete effectively with the more profit driven, less responsible businesses.
“
“
Martin Morris
Llanelli
Chief Executive
Age: 64
White British
Q1
I was recently re-elected as chair of the Wales/Cymru Regional Board for a second term of office. I have served as West Wales area committee member for over twenty years.Q2
An enthusiastic and dedicated person and confident in the role of committee member with extensive experience of the co-operative movement. I qualified through the board development centre as a candidate in this year’s board director election. Extensive experience in local government and public service with administrative and management skills.Q3
I am confident in any committee situation and a skilled communicator with extensive experience of public speaking. I am a natural team player able to work constructively with others or take on a leadership position. I am familiar with the intricacies and depth of our business structures and governance.Q4
Firstly, I want the group to be a commercially successful business upholding the values and principles that have inspired generations of co-operators. I also want the group to identify with the issues which are important to members and promote a lively and dynamic democracy. To see staff and membership act together to promote our social and ethical goals which makes a real difference at local, national and global levels.“
“
Naz Malik
Swansea
Chief Executive Officer
Age: 62
Asian British
Q1
I have saved with the CIS for the last twenty years and with my family use the Co-operative Group. I promote the ethos of the Co-op to colleagues and friends.Q2
I have held the post of the Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association (AWEMA) for ten years delivering Welsh Government funded strategic employment/ community projects. I have been the Chair of a local CAB and currently the Chair of a Residents Association.Q3
My professional work and personal activities will compliment the role of Member of the West Wales Area Committee. I have an extensive network with the diverse communities of Wales. I network with people from over 90 Nationalities covering 50 languages. I speak five languages:Swahili, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi and Gujerati.
Q4
• Commitment to opening more food stores and
bank branches in West Wales.
• Local and global co-operation through Fair
Trade.
• Better Staffing and customer care. • Raising awareness of the Co-operative Group
to the diverse communities.
• Lobbying for the availability of better ranges at
competitive prices.
Please consider casting your vote in my favour. I will listen, act and report back.
9 2011 elections
“
“
Sharen Davies
Llanelli
Practice Manager /
Councillor
Age: 43
White
Q1
I have served on the West Wales Area Committee, a member of the Co-op Women’s Guild for 11 years and a member of The Co-operative Party.Q2
Area Committee member for West Wales. Member of the Co-op Women’s Guild. Chair of Llanelli Rural Council.Committee member of the Ty Bryngwyn Hospice.
Committee member of local committee forum. Charity organiser.
Advocate for people with learning difficulties. Community councillor.
Q3
Other qualities I would bring to the role would be positive thinking, commitment, new ideas, fresh thinking, contributing and promoting in developing our community dividend membership and experience and promoting the Co-operative as a whole.Q4
My aspirations for the Co-operative would be to champion local community involvement, campaign on issues such as, fair trade, climate change, countryside issues and ethical values and principles, explore other areas of opportunity such as social housing. Increase membership growth, promote travel, funeral, pharmacy and food.“
Q1
I have been an Area Committee member for several years, and also serve on the Cymru/ Wales Regional Board.Q2
Being involved in various Church, musical and charity organisations is useful in committee work, and I trust enables me to provide a useful contribution to the work of The Co-operative Group.I attend conferences etc. whenever possible, and hold the Certificate in Co-operation.
Q3
I am a strong believer in the movement’s Values and Principles which set us aside from other businesses. The committee is a team, and it is important to listen to colleagues’ opinions before making decisions.Q4
The Co-operative is re-emerging as a major player in the market place. There is unity of purpose across our ’Family of businesses’, and we are going from strength to strength. The Britannia merger is progressing well, and the Somerfield integration virtually completed. We should be mindful of the challenges ahead, and not be complacent. I trust the Group will explore further business opportunities within West Wales, especially in Co-operative ‘deserts’.“
Brian
Lavender
Pembroke Dock
Retired
Age: 65
White
For more information on any of these events visit
www.co-operative.coop/membership
and click on
‘local community’ or call your regional office on
01495 236050
Exclusive membership
events near you
Tarnished Earth Street Exhibition
High Street, Cardiff
1st-28th July
Take a look at this amazing display and then sign the
photo petition.
Erddig Apple Fair
Erddig, Wrexham
2nd & 3rd October
Come along and taste our samples of apple juice, cider and
other related products grown on our own Co-operative farms.
Gwyl Bwyd Aberteifi - Cardigan Food Festival
Quay Street, Cardigan
6th August
Visit one of the highlights of the food calendar in Wales, be sure
to join us - there will be plenty to eat, see and enjoy, so come
along and get a taste of Cardigan!
ˆ
Y Sioe Fawr - Royal Welsh Show
Llanelwedd, Powys
18th-21st July
Pop by and say hello at The Co-operative Village.
For more information on any of these events visit
www.co-operative.coop/membership
and click on
‘local community’ or call your regional office on
01495 236050
Exclusive membership
events near you
Tarnished Earth Street Exhibition
High Street, Cardiff
1st-28th July
Take a look at this amazing display and then sign the
photo petition.
Erddig Apple Fair
Erddig, Wrexham
2nd & 3rd October
Come along and taste our samples of apple juice, cider and
other related products grown on our own Co-operative farms.
Gwyl Bwyd Aberteifi - Cardigan Food Festival
Quay Street, Cardigan
6th August
Visit one of the highlights of the food calendar in Wales, be sure
to join us - there will be plenty to eat, see and enjoy, so come
along and get a taste of Cardigan!
ˆ
Y Sioe Fawr - Royal Welsh Show
Llanelwedd, Powys
18th-21st July
Pop by and say hello at The Co-operative Village.
Co-operative Group Limited, Registered office: New Century House, Manchester M60 4ES. Reg No 525R.
We like our communications to have an impact on you – but not the environment which is why this book is produced using paper from sustainable sources. Please pass on or recycle this booklet once you have finished with it.
