Co-operative Party Equality Network Review 2024

We recognise that active, inclusive networks help to increase diversity in recruitment, in the Party’s elected representatives and in our organisation and governance; and in so doing help to ensure that our structures, events, campaigns and policies are as inclusive as we can make them. The networks should help all members to feel that they have a place in the Party and that it reflects their needs and values.

We want our national campaigns to be as inclusive as possible and for members of the networks to be central to our local activity. We also encourage campaigns that are network-led, on co-operative issues identified as a priority by the network’s members.

(text from Diversity Handbook 2022)

Reason for Review

The Equality Networks in their current form were established in 2020 with the current rules updated by the NEC in 2022. Now that they are established and have been in place for a few years, the Party will conduct a review of the established rules, their application and the functionality of the Networks. It is recognised that as the Networks have grown and developed, the original established guidelines can possibly be improved upon.

Aims and Objectives

Review and clearly define the purpose of the Networks.
Formulate clear terms and conditions for the Networks with a view to updating the existing rules to better reflect the needs of the Party and Networks going forward.
Review the purpose and role of the Equalities Advisory Committee.

We are seeking individual responses from all Party members that are part of each of our Equality Networks. You do not need to opt in to join our networks. If you have identified in your membership that you are a woman, BAME, (dis)abled, LGBTQ+ and/or are under 30, this means you! These are your individual opinions. No identifying information will be shared with others.

About You
Which Networks Are you a member of?
- BAME Co-operators
- Co-operative Party (dis)Ability Network
- Co-operative Party Women
- Co-operative Party Youth
- LGBTQ+ Co-operators
Which of these best describes you?
- Current Member of a Network Steering Committee
- Former Member of a Network Steering Committee
- I'm interested, and I've stood for the Committee but not (yet) been elected
- Network Member
The Equality Networks
The purpose of the Networks was set out as below. Is there a need to amend this?
To support the recruitment and retention of [Network] members to the Co-operative Party and to encourage their participation in other Co-operative Party structures and the wider co-operative movement To support [Network] members to be active at all levels of organisation and representation To support the Co-operative Party to secure direct Co-operative representation in the UK, Scottish and Welsh Parliaments and all levels of local government and to promote the selection and election of [Network] members of the Co-operative Party as appropriate in accordance with the decisions of the NEC to promote the political policy of the Co-operative Party. To support, promote and to assist in the development of the Party’s campaigns and policies.
There is a proposal to have each Network set specific goals for each year. Do you feel this would be positive and welcome? If so, how many goals per year would be reasonable and achievable? How should success me measured, and by whom?
How frequently should the whole Network meet?
The Network Steering Committees
The role of the steering committee is: "to set their network’s programme of events, campaigns and budget for the year and to convene meetings of the network:" Is there a need to amend or update this?
At present, all the Network steering committees are elected all at the same time every two years. Should this remain the same? If not, should it be more or less frequent? Should they continue to be simultaneous, or should the elections to each Network be staggered?
Should it be permitted for an individual to serve on the steering committee for more than one Network at the same time?
At present there are two officer positions for each Network defined within the Diversity Handbook: Chair and Secretary. Is there a need to amend this?
The Chair of each Network serves for one year. Should this remain the same?
At present, it is the responsibility of the Chair of the Network Steering Committee to Chair meetings.It is the responsibility of the Secretary to: convene meetings of the steering committee and to implement any decisions agreed. Should this remain the same? Should it be expanded upon? Are there any other specific responsibilities that should lie with officers of the Steering Committee? If so, with whom should they sit?
Taking into consideration that all steering committee members are volunteers, what level of commitment is reasonable to expect?
How frequently should Network steering committees meet?
The Equalities Advisory Committee
The Equalities Advisory Committee (EAC) preceded the creation of the NEC Equality Representatives. It’s stated objectives are below. How should this be amended? Given that the NEC Equality Reps are now in place, is the committee still needed in this form? What role can or should it play?
Subject to the Party’s purpose and objects, to discuss organisation, policy or campaigns that promote equality and diversity and make recommendations to the NEC. To represent the views of the networks (BAME, (Dis)Ability, LGBT+, Women, Youth) to the NEC and the Senior Management Team. To act as the steering committee for joint conferences and events on behalf of the networks.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
What lessons do you think have been learned over the last four years since the Networks were established?
Please describe how you would characterise your own experience of the Equality Networks.
What would you like to see the Networks do going forward?
Are there any other points you wish to add?
Thank You!

Co-operative Party Equality Network Review 2024

About You

The Equality Networks

The Network Steering Committees

The Equalities Advisory Committee

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Thank You!