Chris Johnston

Town of residence: Cumbria                                                         Occupation: Senior Planner                           
Age: 42                                                                                                         Ethnicity: White 

1. What is your current involvement in The Co-operative?
I have been a member for more than ten years. My recent involvement has been as a customer of both the food and travel sections of the business. 

2. What qualifications and/or experience do you possess that are relevant to the position of area committee member?
I have a good deal of relevant experience including five years sitting as an Area Committee member in Cumbria between 1999 and 2004. Until recently I was also chairman of a private nature reserve society in south Cumbria, helping to lead a membership organisation that enjoys charitable status.
 
3. What other qualities would you bring to the role of area committee member?
I have an excellent eye for detail and enjoy working with facts and figures – which I do in my full-time job as an Engineering Planner. I am also comfortable using financial spreadsheets. In addition I possess strong teamworking skills and enjoy being part of a successful team. 

4. What aspirations do you have for The Co-operative?
As both a member and a customer I am keen to see that The Co-operative Group continues to function as a successful business whilst still remaining true to its ethical and co-operative principles. It is also important that it retains a local presence in as many areas as possible although this has to be balanced against both profitability and viability.