Nominations are now open for elections to the Co-operative Party’s NEC, to take office for three years from June 2017. We are seeking Eleven regional & national members – one each for Scotland & Northern Ireland (combined), Wales and the nine English regions. These are nominated by branches and party councils in the that region and elected by all members in the region. This time, the elections for the regional representatives in the East, North East and South West will be for women only candidates. One Youth representative (under 27). These are nominated by branches and party councils and elected by all members under 30. Two representatives of our Societies and affiliates (one man and one woman). These are nominated and elected by our affiliated organisations. Nominations close on 9 March. Nomination forms must have been received, and candidate information forms submitted on, or prior to this date. How to stand 1. Read our Guidance for NEC candidates Prospective candidates should first read and ensure they understand the Guidance available to download below. The guide covers topics including the role and responsibilities of the NEC, the process of nominating and standing for the Committee, as well as the sections which it is possible to nominate for in 2017. If you have any questions on this guidance, please contact returning officer Karen Wilkie (k.wilkie@party.coop) before proceeding. Guidance for members considering standing in the 2017 National Executive Committee elections 2. Check you are eligible to stand Eligibility criteria All NEC candidates must: Have been a full member of the Co-operative Party for six months by the close of nominations (9 March 2017) i.e. have been accepted as a member by 9 September 2016, and not be in arrears. Meet the legal requirements for a Board member of a registered Society. For example, they must be over the age of 16. Complete the online Candidate Form Additionally, no-one can be an NEC member who: is not a member of a local Party, which is itself a member of the Party; refuses to sign a statement accepting the code of conduct for members of the National Executive Committee has been declared bankrupt or compounded with their creditors and not been discharged; is subject to a disqualification order made under the Company Directors Disqualification Act has been convicted of an offence where the conviction is not treated as spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 fails to abide by any rules for the conduct of elections made by the National Executive Committee Regional & national representatives (11) must: Live in the nation/region for which you are seeking nomination. Be nominated by one or more branches or Party Councils in that region or nation at a validly constituted meeting. Additionally, the elections in the East, North East and South West regions will be for women only candidates. Youth representative (1) must be Under 27 at the date of nomination. Nominated by one or more branches or Party Councils at a validly constituted meeting. Societies representatives (1 man & 1 woman) Must be nominated by a Society or Affiliate that is currently subscribed to the Co-operative Party. CPDC candidates must Be nominated by a Society, Affiliate or local Party of which they are a member Live in the region or nation for which they are seeking nomination Have been a member of the Co-operative Party (continuously) for five years. … 3. Complete the Candidate Information Form 4. Return a completed nomination form Nomination form In addition to completing a candidate information form, you must also formally seek nomination, using the form applicable for the section in which you wish to stand. Parties and societies have been provided with copies of these forms, but if you wish, you may also download and print them below. NEC 2017 Form 1 – Regions & Nations Nomination NEC 2017 Form 2 – Youth Nomination NEC 2017 Form 3 – Societies Nomination NEC 2017 Form 4 – CPDC Nomination ContentsWe are seekingHow to stand 1. Read our Guidance for NEC candidates 2. Check you are eligible to stand Eligibility criteriaAll NEC candidates must:Additionally, no-one can be an NEC member who: Regional & national representatives (11) must:Youth representative (1) must beSocieties representatives (1 man & 1 woman)CPDC candidates must 3. Complete the Candidate Information Form 4. Return a completed nomination form Nomination form