International Working Group

Here you'll find information about the International Working Group, including its purpose and members.
What is the International Working Group?
The Working Group supports the planning, co-ordination and delivery of the UK Co-operative Movement's international activity.
Areas of activity:
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To share information and intelligence to ensure Co-operatives UK and the wider UK Co-operative Movement are represented effectively internationally. This involves co-ordinating discussions and consultations with other representative bodies in the UK operating internationally
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Ensure that, in liaison with the Board, the Co-operatives UK strategy considers an international agenda. To confirm international representation at events and meetings, advising on resolutions and the use of its votes
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Support and co-ordinate requests for global co-operative development programmes and relief funds, such as the £100,000 raised to support India through the Covid crisis
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Co-ordinate and agree the collection of funds to contribute towards international commitments such as the activities of the International Co-operative Alliance and International Organisation of Industrial and Service Cooperatives
Who are the International Working Group members?
The working group meets six times a year and brings together individuals from the co-operative movement who play a role in international representation. Current members are:
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Chair: Dr Sarah Alldred, Co-operative College
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Ben Reid, International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) Board member
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Bernadette Turner, PA to Ben Reid
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Blase Lambert, Confederation of Co-operative Housing
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Debbie Robinson, Central England
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John Atherton, Co-operatives UK
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Jenny de Villiers, Coperatives UK Director
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Pete Westall, Midcounties Co-operative, ICETT representative
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Sion Whellens, CECOP/CICOPA Board member
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Shaun Tarbuck, ICMIF