East of England

I wish to join the council to serve the interests of all members across the whole East of England region, in the same manner I've previously served my community as a parish councillor, as a school governor, and as a veteran of HM Forces. I now manage and work with volunteers for a national animal welfare and rehoming charity, and have first-hand experience engaging with value-aligned supporters in the service of an excellent cause.

I'm a Customer Service Manager for Co-op and pride myself on doing the job with integrity and loyalty to the Co-op's purpose, values and principles. I attribute my accomplishments to being an organised and proactive people-person, engaging with colleagues and the community. I've also been a Member Pioneer. I'm passionate about sharing success and not afraid to challenge with tough questions. Moreover, I'm objective and approachable and want to champion all members.

I am a passionate and experienced co-operator representing our hard working colleagues and member-owners, who are the eyes and ears of the business. My employment background is as a primary school teacher and a founder of a small business. I also worked in the voluntary sector, co-ordinated a project promoting credit unions and currently work in local government with strategic partners. Working together, we can ensure the future success of the Co-op and the wider Co-operative Movement.

Member ownership of our Co-op is its strength. I want to see our Co-op promoting and celebrating how membership influences ongoing development in a sustainable, responsible, and ethical way. The future lies in younger people being enthused by Co-operative Values and Principles. Voices of members matter. I welcome the way in which the Co-op has maintained its commitment to Fairtrade, an example of a policy promoted by the membership. The biggest challenge to this is to improve communication both ways between membership and the Council. Networks should be improved to create an active engaged membership to strengthen our democracy and the influence of members. More local meetings, face to face and digitally, and a strong social media presence are essential. We must continue to work towards ensuring diversity and inclusion as well as following up members’ concerns.

I have been involved with the Co-operative Movement for over 30 years and am passionate about promoting co-operative core principles. I helped set up Norwich City Football Supporters Trust. I am a board member of Norfolk First credit union. As a National Council Member, I will participate in an active way and will always make myself available to listen to views of Co-op Member-Owners.