The Co-operative encourages residents to stand and deliver

The Co-operative is calling on Rochdale residents to help the business become the country’s most representative large company in terms of diversity and governance.

On Thursday 25 April, The Co-operative’s North West and North Midlands Membership Team is inviting Rochdale residents to join them from 6.30pm at the Rochdale Pioneers Museum on Toad Lane for a ‘Stand and Deliver’ evening.

The event will explain the roles and responsibilities of an area committee member, as well as providing information on The Co-operative’s family of businesses and its unique democratic structure.

There will also be the chance to speak with sitting elected members to find out more about the election process.

Simon Plunkett, The Co-operative’s Regional Secretary for the North West and North Midlands said: “Democracy has always been part of our business’ fabric, and elected members help to steer the business, input into decisions and act as the voice of the consumer.

“We want to be the most socially responsible business in the UK and our Ethical Plan sets out our intention to improve the diversity of our governance structures.

"I would encourage anyone interested to come along to the event to find out more about how we operate.

"It is important to us that the people we have acting on behalf of local communities are truly representative of them.”

Area committees are also responsible for helping deliver a year-round programme of community activity. The business gives thousands of pounds annually to the North Manchester area via the Community Fund – a pot of money raised by members who choose to donate their dividend payments back to the scheme, and elected members are responsible for deciding how this money is spent. Last year, the fund donated £60,000 to local community groups and projects across the region.

To register your interest to attend the ‘Stand and Deliver’ event at the Rochdale Pioneers Museum on Thursday 25 April, please contact The Co-operative’s North West Membership Team on 0161 827 6423 or membership.northwest@co-operative.coop