Beryl Ackerley

Occupation: Volunteer

Co-operative Businesses traded with in last 12 months Food

Skills and experience

I have spent most of my career working in public services. I have been Chair, Secretary and a member of a number of voluntary organisations and I have been trustee of a school. I was a member of the Board of Manx Co-op for a number of years. I am committed to the Values and Principles of the Co-op and hope, by representing members, to expand the role of the Co-op in our local communities.

Additional information

I am an avid Co-op shopper, enjoying the benefits of my collected points and appreciating that a proportion of Co-op profits go to my local community. I hope this continues for a very long time. It’s also good to know that the Co-op continues to support and expand its Fairtrade activities. In addition, the Co-op supports equality and diversity and, like others, I value this principle.

During my time as a member of the Manx Co-operative Board, it became apparent that our co-ops serve a different role to those in the UK. They are as much community as they are convenience or commercial shops. I want to make sure that the Co-op develops to fulfil all its roles here. My previous careers in business/management consultancy, project management, product marketing, social research and university lecturing do, I believe, equip me to do this.

My experience in the voluntary sector as Chair of a local Autistic Support group, a school governor, secretary of a Live At Home Scheme and, currently, Treasurer of a local WI ensure that I continue to interact with a wide range of communities. It is a pleasure to take part in island activities and to support my local community.