New member meeting

About the meeting

Discover more about Co-operatives UK, who we are, what services we offer and how you can get involved as a member. This will also be a great opportunity to meet other co-ops and expand your network of contacts. We can't wait to meet you!

Format

• This meeting will take place online for 1 hour
• An introduction to Co-operatives UK will be delivered followed by an informal chat where you'll be encouraged to share your thoughts, feedback and any questions you have relating to your membership. 

How much does it cost?

This meeting is FREE and open to members only. Learn about Co-operatives UK membership.

What attendees will gain

You will have the opportunity to meet our membership team, meet other co-ops and share your thoughts, feedback and questions. 

Who should attend?

This meeting is aimed at members only:

• New members
• Existing members

Meet our membership team

John Atherton, Head of Membership, Co-operatives UK

John has been supporting co-ops and community businesses for over 15 years, with his first job in Rochdale of all places! Now focusing on membership, strategy and his passion for worker co-ops, he has been a director of a law centre, a community transport operation and Co-operative and Community Finance.

As part of the management team at Co-operatives UK, he leads our membership and events team. He believes our mission is to unite members, helping them to connect, learn and inspire each other. In his spare time, John was a founder member and still supports the Worker Co-op Solidarity Fund – and you may find him running in the fells above Rochdale, where he still lives.

Gareth Wright, Member Relations Co-ordinator, Co-operatives UK

Gareth has been finding solutions to common business needs for almost 20 years. He’s worked with clients from a range of sectors in the UK and across Europe. Since joining Co-operatives UK in 2012, he’s been working directly with our members to ensure they have access to practical advice and guidance. He also delivers training and hosts local networking events. Gareth is never too far from co-ops, as he’s an active member of his local credit union, a co-op pub and a brewery. In his spare time, you’ll find him walking in the hills or riding one of his bikes.

Irena Pistun, Member Relations Co-ordinator, Co-operatives UK

Irena joined Co-operatives UK as member relations coordinator in May 2018. Coming from a media, PR and stadium events background she has handled big budgets and big stories but was seeking bigger values. 

A committed Christian and treasurer for her local church and community centre, Irena is passionate about diversifying the co-op sector and talking to members about using their values (and zero budgets) to raise their own profiles.