Tanya Noon

Occupation: Member and Community Relations Officer

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

Skills and experience

I want to make sure the Co-op’s future has democracy at the heart of it and maintains the trust of both the members and employees to implement change. I want to build on our great campaigns to inspire local people in their communities. The Co-op should also be advocates of educational projects around Fairtrade, food waste, plastic and also engage with other co-operatives like credit unions, in line with our Co-operative Values and Principles.

Additional information

I have extensive knowledge of working in the community and listening to what customers want from a co-operative business. We have gone someway to rebuild their trust and as Council Members we need to continue to develop ways of holding the Board to account. I have the experience of how co-operatives work and the strength and determination to ensure that our Co-op is protected for future generations.

We have sold some businesses and property to invest in improving our businesses. It is as important that we invest in our colleagues, to benefit from them, not as resources but as an asset to the business. Colleagues will deliver the values of the co-operative difference this is one of the things that will lead to increased sales. I want them to have a greater awareness of co-op businesses and link them to the wider co-operative movement in their communities. We are members because we believe in being pioneering and innovating therefore it is paramount that we continue to be a leading co-op within the worldwide movement.

I want to improve the communication between the members, the management and elected representatives. I will encourage a range of methods of communicating from locally elected forums to using social media. This will improve our accountability to you the members. I particularly believe in an elected body with roles and responsibilities for grassroot membership to thrive. This is important for future succession to the National Membership Council and is essential for promoting our co-operative credentials.

It is not always evident what a difference we are making but I can assure you that elected members do act on your behalf. I have undertaken my role seriously and was elected to Senate and the Governance Committee. I also sit on the Ethical and Sustainable Leadership Committee. This has given me a deeper understanding and has enabled me to develop my role. I have also attended every training opportunity from diversity, strategy to leadership and accounts.

I support co-operation in the East Midlands, I’m Vice-Chair for Co-operatives East Midlands – which includes promoting Co-operative businesses. I have a keen interest in the future of all types of co-operatives from credit unions to schools. I am also a big advocate of Fairtrade and work with local groups and schools to showcase the commitment of the Co-op. I act as Secretary to RamsTrust – a football supporters’ co-operative which was the first Trust to gain both the football stadium and its training ground as community assets.

Last but not least, I have worked hard to ensure women are more involved at every level of the Co-op. Supporting, encouraging and mentoring others to engage, stand for positions and make the Co-op a truly equitable way of life. I will continue to promote the importance of democratically elected representation from the Council to grassroots as this is integral to future succession plans.

I seek your trust and support.