Jeff Iles

Occupation: Manager, Co-op Insurance

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

Skills and experience

I’ve worked for Co-op Insurance since 2011. I’m a passionate advocate of our movement and I promote the Co-op values throughout my life. I particularly identify with “Be yourself always”. People are at their most productive when they can be who they are without fear or judgement, and Co-op excels at being one of the most accepting businesses I’ve worked for. I aim to continue our special history of championing this culture through all areas.

Additional information

I am passionate about becoming a representative on the Members’ Council to ensure this organisation stays true to its Values and Principles and continues to act as a pioneer, not only in the commercial marketplace but in wider society as a whole. After leaving the hospitality industry in 2011 I began my Co-op career as a Contact Centre Advisor working in Insurance. Since then I have worked my way up through the organisation to the role I now occupy, responsible for sales development and communication change across all of sales and service.

I was keen to work for the Co-op as I am a strong advocate of the movement and personally identify closely with the core values of this wonderful organisation. Throughout my career prior to Co-op I was always made to feel like it was wrong to have long hair and a beard. My image was constantly challenged and I never felt comfortable or able to be myself at work. Yet from the first day with Co-op I felt completely at ease in a welcoming and accepting environment. Nobody ever mentioned I should get a haircut and shave, and this was long before the days when hipsters were everywhere! When our new values were cascaded and one of them was “Be yourself always” I felt delighted, as it highlighted what I already knew and had experience from my time here; that you get the best from people when they feel safe, secure and can be themselves. People excel in this type of setting, where individuality is celebrated and encouraged and this is where Co-op excels.

Whilst we have gone through some difficult periods in recent times we are now coming out of it stronger and in a much better position to have a positive effect on our members and communities and for all colleagues working within Co-op. I am a trusted and well respected employee within Co-op Insurance and I would like to build on the relationships I have to represent the North West in an important and special role that is fundamental to the way Co-op operates. The Members’ Council is an integral part of our organisation and it would be an honour to represent my area on this body.

I love working for an organisation that focuses so much on work within the community as well as having a strong social conscience. You only have to look at the outstanding work that has been done on tackling modern slavery to appreciate that Co-op is something special, and is something I am proud to be a part of. I can remember fondly my Gran collecting the Co-op stamps, at a time everyone knew about the Co-op, why it was important and had a vested interest in it. I feel we are on the cusp of that again and I aim to be an active part of that journey, and to help shape the future direction of our Co-op. Your vote is important. Vote Jeff Iles for Members’ Council.