Vote in our Annual General Meeting 2023 and have your voice heard

The Co-op Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at Manchester Central, as well as being shown live online. Eligible members can join in and have their say; however you choose to attend – find out how you can make a difference below.

What is the AGM?

The Co-op AGM is your chance to shape the Co-op you’d like to be part of. You’ll hear a review of the year, have your chance to ask a question of the Board, and vote on our motions. By having your say, you’ll help influence the way we do business.

This year, we are also holding two virtual Join In events prior to the meeting to allow members to discuss the AGM Motions with each other and motion proposers. Further details on how to register and get involved can be found online at co-operative.coop/agm.

When is the AGM?

Our AGM is being held in the Auditorium, Manchester Central, Petersfield, Manchester, M2 3GX on Saturday 20 May 2023, starting at 10.30 am

If you are joining us online, you can register online at Co-operative Membership Events (coopmemberevents.uk)

Why vote in the AGM?

We’re owned by our members, and we think it’s important our members have a say in the way we do business. We would like to encourage you to take this opportunity – the motions you vote on really do make a difference.

Am I eligible to vote?

To be eligible, you must be at least 16 years old and have spent £250 at Co-op Food in 2022 or bought a Co-op product from one of our other businesses. Check if you’re eligible by logging into your membership account or emailing AGM@coop.co.uk.

When can I vote?

If you’re joining us online, you will need to vote online by midday 15th May 2023 and register your attendance. All you need are the two voting codes provided in your email or postal pack. You can vote online at coop.co.uk/vote. You cannot vote on AGM motions online on the day.

How did we make a difference last year?

Last year, members voted on motions such as Member Participation, Inequality and Climate Change. As a result, we:

• Showcased our membership and community activities during in-store trials to understand the impact broader co-operative messaging can have.
• Launched our Ethnicity Pay Gap Report, which is one of the first of its kind for a retailer.
• Teamed up with the Co-op Foundation to launch a £3m Carbon Innovation Fund to help food and farming projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

All this was made possible by members having their say, so this year, have your voice heard.

What are the motions I can vote on this year?

This year, we have motions on the following topics that matter most. Remember, you can make a real difference by voting.

Championing Member Value through our Ethical and Sustainable Credentials (Motion from our National Members’ Council)

• Showcase and celebrate the positive impact of our ethical and sustainable credentials for our members and customers, communities and our planet by promoting ethical and sustainable practices in our food stores through member offers, promotions and our brand and marketing activity all year round.
• Continue to support our members to take action themselves to live sustainably, for example by continuing to provide advice and support on reducing food waste and recycling and healthy, sustainable and low-cost food choices.
• Consider how we ensure that our Co-op own brand range is instantly recognised by members, customers and other stakeholders for its quality and sustainability standards.

Creating a Fairer World for our Young People (Motion from our National Members’ Council supported by our Co-op Young Members’ Group)

• Co-operative models of doing business, built on fairness, equality and shared value, can inspire and change our society
• Broaden and deepen how we make sure young voices are considered in all parts of our businesses, plans and strategies and are considered as part of our decision-making process
• Communicate differently and appeal through different channels

People Power and our Co-op Difference (Motion from our National Members’ Council)

• Celebrating our Co-op Difference through our marketing and communications strategies to demonstrate what we achieve together and attract new members.
• Building on and broadening our successful Join in and Co-op Member, Education, Training and Information Programme so that our members have the knowledge and awareness to influence how their Co-op is run
• Developing our digital democratic participation tools and strategies including in-app voting and motions at our AGM and Elections combined with a year-round focus on democratic participation
• Exploring further models of direct and indirect democracy and participation for a modern, dynamic and inclusive Co-op

Motion from Individual Members – Animal Welfare

• Implement a maximum stocking density of 30kg/m².
• Adopt breeds of chicken that meet the RSPCA Broiler Breed Welfare Assessment Protocol.
• Meet improved environmental standards.
• Demonstrate compliance via third-party auditing and public progress

Our AGM isn’t the only way to get more out of your Co-op Membership

Last month, we launched our new charity partnership with Barnardo’s, the UK’s largest children’s charity, that works to bring communities together to support young people.

As a Co-op Member, you can get involved and help raise funds for Barnardo’s by voting in our AGM or by donating, either in store or online. You can even get involved with our fundraising activities happening between 15 – 21 May in your local Co-op store.