David Haigh

Town of residence: Holmfirth                                                        Occupation:Seconded Teacher, Teacher Trade Union Secretary                          
Age: 59                                                                                                         Ethnicity: White British

1. What is your current involvement in The Co-operative?
I am presently Vice Chair of the West Yorkshire Area Committee, a Co-operative Party Member and a nominated Trustee of a National Challenge Co-operative School Trust involving two secondary schools

2. What qualifications and/or experience do you possess that are relevant to the position of area committee member?
B.Ed and M.Ed degrees have taught History and Business Studies.
 Served the community as a councillor, school governor, elected union officer, co-operative committee member and magistrate.
Wide-ranging experience of committee and group work, including chairmanship.
Attended/tutored training/education courses, presently over half way through the Certificate in Co-operation.

3. What other qualities would you bring to the role of area committee member?
A reflective thinker trained and practiced in marshalling facts, drawing out information and posing questions to seek solutions and progress issues.
The skills from teaching and the other roles mentioned above serve me well in co-operative committee work; my track record will evidence total commitment to equal opportunities and diversity

4. What aspirations do you have for The Co-operative?
With the state of our economy and tensions in society The Co-operative ‘Revolution’ has much to offer. Co-operation’s core values should once again be a key focus for mutual good, helping our communities and members, as we did back in the 19th Century. Profit/surplus generated by the Co-op can benefit members and support our underpinning values/principles. A unified Co-operative Group business can be a major force for good.