Andy Skyme

Occupation: IT Engineer

Co-operative Businesses traded with in last 12 months Food and Bank

Skills and experience

I would feel extremely privileged to be elected to the Members’ Council of such a great organisation that puts its membership and their communities at the heart of its business. I would not only be committed to ensuring that the Board holds true to the Co-op’s core Values and Principles as it continues to build on its successes, but also that Council is a real meaningful voice for all of its members.

Additional information

Born in the West Wales town of Carmarthen I now live and work in Cardiff, and I have become ever more familiar and hence impressed with the Co-operative as an organisation since a store was opened very close to my home a few years ago (of which due to the demands of my two young children I am practically a daily customer!). I found that representatives from the Co-op were keen to engage with our community before the store was even opened and their enthusiasm and sincerity really struck a chord with me. I am a firm believer that the quality of peoples’ lives can be greatly improved through building community spirit and sense of ‘togetherness’. I am an active participant in the local Partnerships and Community Together (PACT) meetings where members of my community can engage with their Elected Councillors as well Police representatives to tackle and resolve their local issues and concerns.

Should I be elected to the Members’ Council I believe that I can bring a range of experiences and acquired knowledge that I would hope to prove useful. I have previously served on the Cardiff Local Health Board as an Associate Officer Member, working with other members to ensure the Board was held to its agreed vision and set of values while delivering healthcare to the people of Cardiff. During this time I was also appointed to the Audit and Risk Management as well as the Remuneration and Terms of Service Committees where Committee members strived to ensure excellent corporate governance was adhered to and that remuneration policies were applied fairly and consistently in accordance with good governance and proper use of public funds.

Having worked previously in Information Technology in the private sector I am currently employed by Cardiff University, an institution that I have a great fondness for that has grown over a long association going back over 20 years to my days as at first a degree and then a PhD student there. I am a member of the Cardiff University Council, the governing body of the University that is responsible for the efficient management and conduct of the University, including its finances and property, and for agreeing the general strategic direction of the institution. I have also been appointed to the University’s Governance Committee, a body whose remit includes ensuring adherence to mandatory legislation requirements and other regulations such as the Equality Act and the Welsh Language Act.

In my spare time I enjoy spending as much time as I can on days out with my family; reading and keeping abreast of current affairs and scientific developments; and having hung up my boots a few years back now, going to watch the local football and rugby teams.