Seeking an expert to join our co‑operative governance panel

The Co‑operative Governance Expert Reference Panel is recruiting a new member ahead of Angela Lomax, one of the Panel's founding members, stepping down in January 2023.

The Panel is seeking applications from people with recent expert experience in leadership and innovation in governance – with a specific focus on housing co-operatives, or social or community owned and democratically controlled housing organisations.

As the outgoing expert on housing co-operatives, Lomax said:

“After six really interesting years, I am sad to be leaving the Co-operative Governance Expert Reference Panel. I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure as Chair and as a member of the Panel."

"My background is in social housing and I have found my role on the Panel to be valuable in building my knowledge of alternative forms of governance and different sectors, but also how this might influence governance in the housing sector and vice versa."

"We are keen that membership of the Panel continues to include an individual with housing expertise, not only because good governance in all forms of member, social or community owned housing is vital but also to provide a breadth of knowledge within the composition of the Panel. Prior knowledge of the different forms of co-operatives is not essential – in fact, I’ve found that aspect to be fascinating and am still learning. I would encourage anyone with housing governance expertise to get in touch to discuss the role.” 

Existing panel member, Anthony Collins Solicitors' David Alcock, will become Chair in January. Lomax added:

"I am delighted to handover the Chair of the Panel to the very capable hands of David Alcock and I have no doubt that he will continue to champion the Panel’s role in driving forward good governance standards and providing practical guidance within the co-operative sector."

David Alcock, said:

“I am delighted to be taking up the role of Chair. Making co-operation real in any organisation inevitably involves governance, and it is a privilege to work with colleagues to support best practice in governance across the movement."

"The movement should say a big thank you to Angela – and before her, Nick Money. Both have done a great job in steering the Panel so far. I’m looking forward to the next stage in our work.”

About the Co‑operative Governance Expert Reference Panel

The Panel, which meets quarterly, enables Co‑operatives UK members to shape areas of strategic priority for the UK co‑operative movement in the field of governance.

The Panel is the custodian of the governance agenda for co-operatives in the UK, and works to set governance standards for co‑operatives, encouraging innovation, active challenge and debate. 

Read more about the Co‑operative Governance Expert Reference Panel's work. 

Interested in applying to join the panel?

If you would like to under learn more about the Panel and what sort of candidate we’re looking for, please contact [email protected]. The deadline for applications is midnight, Wednesday 30 November.