Co-op Congress

Speaker

• Dan Jarvis, Mayor of Sheffield City Region – by video
• Chaired by James de le Vingne, Co‑operatives UK

Description

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of Sheffield City region will give a brief overview of the role co‑ops are playing in local industrial strategies. He will update on Sheffield City region’s ambitious recovery and renewal plans to grow employee and worker ownership, which could become a blueprint for economic regions, local and combined authorities across the UK.

Speakers

• Simon Borkin, Stretford Public Hall
• Jess Thomas, Co‑operatives UK – by video
• Chaired by: James de le Vingne, Co‑operatives UK

Description

The global pandemic has highlighted the importance of communities and local economies. As we start to see a change into a ‘new normal’ now is the time to support our local communities and make a long term commitment to sustainable, thriving local economies that share power and wealth.

We’ll hear some great examples of co‑operation in action in communities and our hosts for the day, Stretford Public Hall, which is owned and has been restored by the community. 

Speakers

• Chris Packham, Environmental campaigner, naturalist and broadcaster – by video
• Paul Gerrard, Co‑op Group
• Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-operative
• Gemma Lacey, Southern Co‑operative – by video
• Pete Westall, Midcounties Co‑operative
• Chaired by: Wendy Carter, Co‑operatives UK

Description

The co‑op movement has been campaigning on social issues for many years – from reducing plastics to modern slavery, food security and diversity in leadership. But how can our campaigning activity be more co-ordinated (and co‑operative!), so we can have more impact by speaking with one voice?

Join environmental campaigner, naturalist and broadcaster, Chris Packham (by video) who will share his experiences of leading high profile campaigns. Followed by the co‑operative campaigning and public affairs leads from leading retail societies will outline their priorities for social action and explore common themes for sector wide campaigning – with opportunities for you to input ideas and share how your co‑op is taking action on today’s big issues.

Speakers

• Liz McIvor, Co‑operative Heritage Trust
• Cilla Ross, Co‑operative College – by video
• Rebecca Harvey, Co‑operative News
• Rose Marley, Co‑operatives UK
• Lord Victor Adebowale, Board Director, Co‑op Group and Chair, Social Enterprise UK – by video
• Chaired by: Melissa Johns, Actor and Co‑Director of TripleC

Description

Actor and Co‑Director of TripleC, Melissa Johns chairs a panel made up of the four female leaders of the Co‑op College, Co‑op Heritage Trust, Co‑op News and Co‑operatives UK and asks why NOW is the time to re‑invigorate the co‑op movement. We’ll be exploring why there are more women leaders in the social enterprise sector and some of the fascinating history and achievements of the co‑op movement, which is just as relevant today.

We’ll learn what these four women and their organisations have in store for the future of the movement at a time when, not least due to the pandemic, people are looking for fair and equitable ways to do business and live their lives. And they’ll be joined by Lord Victor Adebowale (by video) who shares his thoughts on why owning where you work, consume and live creates a fair balance and can level the inequalities in society.

Speakers

• Steve Murrells, CEO, Co‑op Group
• Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
• Annabelle Cook (by video), Tommy Kirkwood and Shekinnah Wilberforce, Our Pass
• Maria Cearns, The Co-operative Bank
• Chaired by: Rose Marley, Co‑operatives UK

Description

It’s essential that we engage with the next generation to ensure co‑operative values live on. Join us for this engaging presentation and panel discussion as we hear from leaders on the investments being made into young people and then hear from young people on how the co‑operative movement can engage them better.