2011
Committee elections
My revolution:
to represent you
Your
candidates
Cymru / Wales Region
Mid Wales Area
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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 2011To 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
3 On other Co-operative business – 1 meeting
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
4
8
0
3
8
1
0
11
0
0
1
0
Patricia Bufton
1 29
8
Janet Embleton
9
8
Brian Ishmael
9
3
Callum Johnston
9
9
June Jones
9
8
Ivor Moody
29
6
Liz Price
9
7
Louisa St
Bartholomew-Brown Morgan
9
8
Helen Staton
39
6
Garry Thompson
9
8
Linda Ward
29
8
Sarah Woods
39
5
Introducing
your Area
Committee
candidates
There are 4 places available on
the Mid Wales Area Committee.
6 candidates have put themselves forward:
June Jones
1Jeremy Thorp
Johnathan Beagley
Patricia Bufton
1Louisa St
Bartholomew-Brown Morgan
1Sarah Woods
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
“
“
June Jones
Aberystwyth
Regional Operational
Manager
Age: Not submitted
White
Q1
Vice Chair of Mid Wales Area Committee. One of three delegates to the Regional Values and Principles Committee.A loyal and committed co-operator for over 30 years.
Q2
Working towards the Certificate in Co-operation which has given me a greater understanding of The Co-operative’s family of businesses. I can demonstrate my expertise in areas of budgeting, planning, financial and business management and fiscal legislation within my work place, which is transferrable. I enjoy being a team player.Q3
I am involved in community activities and have experience in all aspects of committee roles and knowledge of Mid Wales. I enjoy promoting the Co-operative and its family of businesses that benefit the local and worldwide communities. I am open-minded, committed, and conscientious and ‘listen’ to the views of members.Q4
I care passionately about• Local food for local people by local producers • Tackling global poverty
• Extending the range of Fairtrade products and benefits to producers and their communities. • Protecting the environment for future
generations
• Increase access to the Co-operative Financial Services in Mid Wales.
• Membership participation in Mid Wales, the grass roots of the ‘Group’ by promoting social engagement within the communities • Maintaining our Co-operative values and
principles
“
“
Jeremy Thorp
Welshpool
Energy Advisor
Age: 45
White
Q1
At present I buy my food and vehicle insurance from the Co-operative Group.Q2
I am active in community voluntary work. For me, localisation and community cohesion go hand in hand with sustainability and I am involved with several local community initiatives including a community orchard; a newsletter focussing on sustainability, and I am currently setting up a local domestic waste cooking oil collection.Q3
I ran a family business for 10 years before my concern about climate change persuaded me to re-train and to become active in environmental campaigning. Since then, I have worked for an environmental charity offering help to businesses and organisations on how they can reduce their carbon footprint.Q4
I would like to see the group focus on getting more local products into local stores, and to look into innovative ways of reducing the transport related carbon within the group, both in the distribution of stock to the stores, and in the ways that members travel to the stores to do their shopping.“
“
“
“
Johnathan
Beagley
Builth Wells
Retired
Age: 70
White
Q1
A member for four years and holding a Co-op Credit Card. I have attended several area and national meetings and have presented a Community Fund application for a local charity.Q2
As a businessman and Charity Trustee, I understand finance and marketing and therefore the problems facing small charities and organisations. As a decision maker, I can see clearly to the desired outcome of a proposition and detect pitfalls that might hinder it. I am honest, humorous, efficient, reliable and courteous.Q3
My life has been spent buying companies that are failing, turning them around fast and then selling them on as going concerns. I have run or owned some 240 companies and probably made every mistake possible along the way !! but emerged as a successful entrepreneur. I bring committee experience.Q4
Following my own moral standards, I see the Co-op group going from strength to strength as a recognised Ethical Trader. In order to do the good that is written into its constitution it must be a successful retailer first, and I would like to lend my wisdom and experience to make this happen. It can, and will be a winner in this competitive world.Q1
First elected in 2006 Chair of Mid Wales Area Committee Cymru/Wales Regional BoardMember of Co-operative Women’s Guild Member of Phone Co-op
Member of Co-operative News Individual member Co-operative Studies
Q2
I hold the Certificate of Co-operation and currently taking further training for the Diploma in Co-operation to enable me to become a more effective committee member.A former employee in the retail division I have an insight into what our members and customers require from their shopping experience with us.
Q3
Through my activities in the voluntary sector within my local community I put into practice the Co-operative Values and Principles every day. I have a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and special interest into what communities need to thrive.All this I would bring to the Area Committee.
Q4
My aspirations are to-• provide a voice for members and customers and get the answers to their questions • make our stores a focal point in the local
community it serves
• to see more involvement of the younger generation within the Co-operative movement and carry forward our Values and Principles. With these aspirations I would hope to bring the Co-operative Group the recognition of being the voice of the community.
Patricia Bufton
Newtown
Voluntary Sector
Age: 56
White Welsh
9 2011 elections“ “
“
“
Louisa St
Bartholomew-Brown Morgan
Builth Wells
Unemployed
Age: Not submitted
Black British
Sarah Woods
Abercegir
Playwright
Age: 43
White
Q1
• Area Committee Member since 2006 • Co-operative Fairtrade Schools Speaker • Member BAME Network• Member Co-operative Party • Independent Member Co-operative
Women’s Guild • Volunteer
Q2
• Co-operative Certificates of Co-operation • Fairtrade Champion & Schools Speaker • BA (Hons) French & European Studies • MPhil Econs Strategic Studies • Representing the Area Committee atvarious meetings and events • Giving talks on Fairtrade and actively
participating in Fairtrade activities in local schools
Q3
• Continued commitment and active involvement in Co-operative family of businesses• Team player
• Being the eyes and ears of the community • Strong belief in Co-operative Values &
Principles
• Championing Co-operative approach to ethical trading
• Campaigning against environmental waste
• Encourage active participation for young people
Q4
• Increased memberships in every family of the Group’s businesses• Active involvement in every community • Increase investment in sustainable and
green energy
• Continued investment in local communities and young people • A stronger and global support for more
co-operatives
• Encouraging development of more co-operatives
• Running more campaigns against climate change
• Investing in more farms to encourage local sourcing
• Continued investment in Fair Trade
Q1
I’ve been a member of the Mid-Wales Co-operative Area Committee for three years. I do my banking with the Co-operative and most of my food shopping at the Machynlleth store.Q2
I understand how the Co-operative Group works and how it might develop, both through diploma training units I’ve taken and by taking an active part in meetings and conferences. I believe that by listening to one another and working together, there is much we can achieve.Q3
As part of my Co-operative work I support local ventures, developing spOILt - a film about the Canadian Tar Sands by students from Ysgol Bro Ddyfi, premiering at the Urdd Eisteddfod. I facilitated the Food In Transition conference, connecting Co-operative retail with local food producers, which I’ll continue if re-elected.Q4
I am passionate about both co-operatives and co-operation, as models for business and for life. I have been very excited by the Co-operative’s recent ‘What’s Your Revolution?’ campaign and their ethics plan, which I believe gives the Co-operative the chance to become a pioneering big business, putting people and the planet alongside profit as drivers. I very much want to be part of that journey.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.
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