Becoming a Director

In this section

Our Board is made up of our members - elected to act in the best interests of our Co-op. 

Each year, we hold an election for a number of places on our Board of directors. 

In February – March, eligible members can nominate themselves to become a director on our Board. Candidates will then go forward to the election (subject to eligibility) during April-May, where our members vote to decide who is appointed. The results of the election are then announced at our Annual Members’ Meeting in May.   

Election of Directors 2023

The results of the election were announced at this years' Annual Members' Meeting on the 18th May. You can find the results here. 

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a director for future elections and to check your eligibility, please contact: 
Jonathan Carey, Secretary 
Telephone: 01473 786 032  
Email: jcarey@eastofengland.coop 

About our Board of Directors 

Our directors work together to oversee our governance, policy and strategy decisions. There are 16 directors on the Board. They are all members who care about the way their local co-op is run. They help shape our future direction, but are not responsible for the day to day operation of our co-op. 

What is the role of the Board?

The role of the Board is to ensure our long-term success in accordance with the International Co-operative Alliance Statement on Co-operative Identity. The Board is appointed by and accountable to the members who own the Society. The Board represents the membership, making business decisions in the interests of the members. The Boards acts as the custodian of our assets to safeguard the enterprise for the future. 

A co-operative board provides accountable leadership by setting the strategic direction of the enterprise and ensuring it runs efficiently within a framework of prudent and effective controls in line with co-operative values and principles.

These requirements are set out in our rules here.

What is expected from a director?

  • Attend around 12 Board meetings a year. These are held on-line via Microsoft Teams or in-person at Wherstead Park in Ipswich. Meetings are held either on Saturday mornings or mid-week evenings. There are also occasional off-site strategy meetings that might involve overnight stays.
  • Join one Board committee – this will involve attendance at a further 4-5 meetings per year.
  • Take part in professional development to meet any individual or collective needs that arise throughout the normal 4-year term of office.

Any business experience that you have will be welcome, but it isn’t essential as training can be provided if you have been elected.

Am I eligible? 

The eligibility criteria to be a director are set out in our rules here. 

This includes that directors must have been a member of our Co-op for at least 2 years and mainly live within our trading area. They should also have made purchases of £500 or more per annum with our Co-op in each of the two previous financial years. To note no more than 2 employees can be on the Board at any one time.  

What do I get in return?

  • Becoming a director gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping to make a difference to your local co-op and your community.
  • Directors also receive a fee (currently in the region of £9,000 per year) and reimbursement of all expenses incurred in the role.
  • Our directors play a key role in the success of our business, and it is a really rewarding experience. You’ll meet new people and gain valuable skills, all while helping a local, independent co-operative business to thrive.