Do make note of the following advance deadlines:

Friday 28 June:

• Early-bird delegate registration closes
• Organisational motions
• Policy submissions
• Suggestions for issues ballot

w/c Monday 17 July:

• Preliminary agenda (i.e. organisational motions, rule changes & issues for member-led ballot) sent.

Friday 19 July:

• Issues ballot of members closes

Friday 30 August:

• Organisational amendment
• Nominate candidate for Conference Arrangements Committee election
• Propose member to achieve recognition of achievement award

The NEC were sympathetic to the motion remitted at Conference 2018 asking that additional time to debate any topical issue which they feel the Party should have a position on be incorporated into the Conference program. This will be trialled this year.

Party Councils and affiliates are requested to propose one public policy issue for discussion at Annual Conference. Issues for discussion should be relevant to the co-operative movement and the purpose of the Party; and should not come within the policy topics being discussed as Party of the member-led policy process. The deadline to submit issues will be 17 June 2019 (as for organisational motions and policy submissions).

All individual members will be invited to participate, via the website, in a priority ballot to determine which issues are debated at conference. The ballot will close on 19 July 2019. Local Parties and affiliates will be notified of the top three topics, in order, as voted on by members.

Please send submissions to Issy Oozeerally (i.oozeerally@party.coop).

The 2019 Policy Process is now underway, with members and local parties helping to determine the Party’s response to Community, Place and Power and Climate Change, Energy and the Environment. These consultations are an opportunity to have your say on the Party’s position on key issues. Submissions made form the starting point for debates at local regional/national conferences throughout the year, and at Annual Conference.

To submit your responses, click on the following links:

Community Place & Power

Climate Change, Energy & Environment

Organisational motions relate to the organisational structures of the Party. Submitted motions and amendments shall not exceed 300 words. No more than three motions and three amendments shall be submitted by any one organisation.

No motion concerning such policy or principle shall appear upon the Agenda for a period of two years from the time such declaration was made. No motion or speeches dealing with staff terms and conditions or the appointment or behaviour of any member of staff shall be in order as such matters must be referred in writing to the NEC.

Building on the continuing enthusiasm and energy for Co-operative Party solutions and our plans to develop the commitment to double the size of the UK co-operative sector, the programme for Annual Conference will include a full and diverse programme of speakers, debates and topics championing our vision for a more co-operative model of ownership

Over 400 members and delegates representing party branches across the regions and nations of the UK, as well as representatives of our partners in the cooperative, trade union and labour movements take part in Conference. Annual Conference is the Party’s most important event each year, and with a growing membership we want to make sure that we have delegates from right across the country, representing the diverse views and experiences of our members.

Delegates have opportunities to contribute to policy debates, attend fringe events, take part in training workshops as well as visit a large marketplace area. There are also a number of opportunities to network with like-minded co-operators, attend social events and take part in sessions held by our networks: LGBT+, Women’s, BAME and a forum on disability.

If you have any questions about booking your delegation or if you feel your Party Council will struggle to send the recommended delegation level, please contact Shane Brogan (s.brogan@party.coop or 020 7367 4151).

Both days of Co-operative Party Annual Conference will be held in the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 36 Cambridge St, Glasgow G2 3HN (map).

Friday 11 October:

• Conference Registration
• Delegation meet ups (from 4pm)
• Welcome Reception (evening only)

Saturday 12 October:

• Conference Registration,
• Conference Day 1
• LGBT+ network session
• Conference Party (NB: doesn’t include dinner)

Sunday 13 October:

• BAME network breakfast (from 8.30am)
• Conference Day 2 (concludes around 1pm)
• Women’s network lunch (from 1.30-3pm)

Delegate places are usually booked by your party council secretary or your co-operative society secretary. Party councils will receive a suggested delegation size based on the number of members and branches in your area.

We have worked hard to keep the delegate fees the same as 2018, with early-bird discounted registration available until 28 June, although please note accommodation is allocated on a first come basis so you should reserve your places asap.

This year’s fees include lunch on Saturday and the Conference Party on Saturday evening:

• Standard passes £145 (£195 after 28 June)
• Youth (30 or Under) passes £95 (£145 after 28 June)

To book your delegation passes and accommodation please contact Shane Brogan (s.brogan@party.coop or 020 7367 4151) or complete and return the booking form.

You can again book accommodation for your delegation through the Co-operative Party. Please note these rooms are very limited and will be awarded on a first come first served basis. Rooms can be cancelled for free up to 12th July 2019.

Doubletree by Hilton, 36 Cambridge St, Glasgow G2 3HN (Conference Venue):

• 70 standard rooms on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th October at £125 bed and breakfast based on single occupancy
• 20 deluxe rooms on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th October at £150 bed and breakfast based on single occupancy

Travelodge Glasgow Central 5-11 Hill Street, Glasgow, G3 6RP (adjacent road, 5 minutes from Conference Venue)

• for £94.80 on Friday 11th and £130.80 on Saturday 12th October plus a Full English Breakfast Buffet at £8.95 per person, per night.

There are also a variety of other accommodation options near the Conference Venue, which can be found through websites such as booking.com

The main station is Glasgow Central which is a 15 minute walk, 10 minutes by bus or 5 minutes by taxi to the Conference Venue (click here for map).

Travelling by public transport is the most cost effective way to attend Conference and reduces our environmental impact.