Southern Co-op’s Board of Directors is currently made up of eight directors elected from our members by our members and two directors who were co-opted. One who was appointed as the Chair by the Board. The other director co-opted by the Board in accordance with our Rules was appointed to further the Board’s work on improving diversity and inclusion. Both were approved by the members at our AGM in accordance with Southern Co-op’s Rules.

They come from a range of backgrounds with different experiences and skills.  Some have been directors before on other boards; some have never been directors before.  Two of our directors are current colleagues.  Some of the others work full time; some part time; some are retired.  They come with a variety of industry and sector experience – not necessarily in our core business areas. Some may have professional qualifications which gives them something different to bring to the board.

Our Board of Directors is independent of the Leadership Team who are responsible for the day to day running of Southern Co-op. The Board are responsible for the strategic direction and overseeing the work the Leadership Team do on a day-to-day basis.

All elected directors are non-executives and serve terms of three years. At the end of their three-year term they have to stand down but may seek re-election up to a maximum length of total cumulative service of 9 years. Any member who satisfies minimum qualification criteria may be nominated as a candidate – could that be you? Elections take place in the early part of the year with successful candidates taking office after our AGM which is usually held in the summer.

The Board of Directors is responsible for promoting the success of Southern Co-op whilst representing the collective interest of members as a whole across the geographical areas in which we trade. Subject to certain qualification criteria being met, directors bring a range of experience and skills but are committed to upholding the values and principles of co-operatives whilst fulfilling their legal duties and responsibilities in overseeing the work of the executive Leadership Team.

The Board works with the Leadership Team to determine the vision and strategies of Southern Co-op and ensures that policies and organisational structures are in place to deliver the long-term objectives. The Board also ensures that Southern Co-op’s actions comply with its constitutional rules, relevant laws and regulations. Members of the Leadership Team make regular presentations to the Board at key stages throughout the year in order that progress against strategic plans can be monitored.

They meet on a regular basis with most directors also attending additional sub-committee meetings held in between these meetings. There are also regular training sessions and other opportunities for self development. We work with the Board to ensure they have the right training so that they can perform effectively.

Not only are directors legally required to demonstrate care and skill with their background and experience, but they’re also expected to show the personal skills that you would reasonably expect someone to have who takes on the position of director of a retail business with a turnover of more than £545m.

Directors are required to demonstrate a level of skill on election and participate in training and development programmes to update their knowledge and capabilities and we help you with this. Obviously you’ll need to continue to comply with the minimum qualifications but you’ll also need to spend £100 each year in our stores to demonstrate a commitment to and engagement with Southern Co-op.

We give directors an induction designed to develop their knowledge and understanding of Southern Co-op when they join us. All directors are required to sign acceptance of, and comply with, a Code of Conduct for directors which sets out the minimum standard of professional behaviour expected.

If you want to discuss anything about being a director, please contact us

The election has taken place for this year but there’s always next year!

If you have any queries or would like further information, please contact us.