Director Role Profile
The Board of Directors for the East of England Co-op sets the long-term direction of the organisation, provides strong governance and ensures decisions are taken in the best interests of members and communities.
As a Director, you contribute collectively with other Directors to oversight, challenge and assurance. The role is non-executive and does not involve day-to-day management.
The Board benefits from a range of experiences and perspectives, and Directors help ensure governance remains connected to the communities our co-op serves.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Directors are expected to:
- Help shape long-term strategy and uphold co-operative values
- Provide independent judgement and constructive challenge
- Oversee performance, financial health and risk
- Review and approve major decisions and key policies
- Represent the interests of members and communities
- Work collaboratively with fellow Directors, the Executive and committees
- Prepare for and attend Board meetings, training and development
- Act with integrity, confidentiality and collective responsibility
Essential Experience
We’re looking for people who bring:
- Sound judgement and integrity, with a commitment to acting in members’ interests
- Independence of thought and confidence to ask constructive questions
- Ability to contribute thoughtfully to collective decision-making
- Ability to read and listen carefully, identify what matters most and engage in discussion
- Has a strong commitment to co-operative values and principles
You don’t need previous board or senior leadership experience. Lived experience, community involvement and insight from different backgrounds are valued. Directors must meet statutory fit and proper requirements, including digital identity verification.
Time Commitment
The Board meets every 6 weeks (on average), usually on a Saturday, with additional time for preparation, training and occasional committee meetings. Support and reasonable adjustments are available. There may be the occasional commitment for directors to attend conferences where overnight stays are required.
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role means:
- Being well prepared and contributing meaningfully to Board discussions
- Providing appropriate challenge and oversight
- Acting with integrity, confidentiality and collective responsibility
- Strengthening overall Board effectiveness and inclusive governance
We’re committed to fairness, inclusion and building a Board that reflects the diversity of our members and communities.
Reasonable adjustments and alternative formats are available at any stage of the process. Prior Board or senior leadership experience is not required; a wide range of experiences and perspectives are welcomed.
Additional information
Directors are elected by members. Induction, training and ongoing support are provided. We are committed to fairness, inclusion and building a Board that reflects the diversity of our members and communities.
About our Board of Directors
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Director Nominations
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Frequently Asked Questions
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