At the Co-operative Party we're proud of the work our Women's Committee has been championing and progressing - we know the difference having their voices at the heart of our movement makes. We want that work to continue - want to play a part in it? Get involved and apply to stand for our Women's Committee elections.

As a member the Women's Committee you'll have an opportunity to raise the issues that matter to you whilst representing other women from your region/nation, you'll get the support from our Co-operative Party staff team to run events and be involved in future Co-operative Party conferences and as we look forward to local elections, Scottish Parliament elections and Welsh Senedd elections - you'll be part of that policy development.

Over the past few years, our Women's Committee have offered a space in which female members of the our movement can work together to form new networks, learn new skills, develop policy, and work to increase the number of women co-operators selected and elected as MPs, MSPs, AMs and councillors.

The network hopes to provide an opportunity for members to meet and support other women who currently hold elected roles or are considering standing for them in the future, as well as those who hold positions within internal Co-op Party structures, such as the NEC and in local and national parties.

They have prioritised offering practical advice and support, as well as inspiration and encouragement.  If you are an aspiring candidate, or might be but don't know where to start, or if you have stood for office at any level and want to help others - they've got something for you

Interested?

Check you're eligible to be nominated

Nominations are now open for election to the Co-operative Party Women Committee.  The Network will elect 12 members, who will serve for two years.

The purpose of the Network is:

• To support the recruitment and retention of women to the Co-operative Party and to encourage their participation in other Co-operative Party structures and the wider co-operative movement
• To support women 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 women 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

The Committee is crucial to an active and engaged Network. They set the Network’s programme of events, campaigns and budget for the year and convene meetings of the network. Normally, the Committee will meet quarterly, online.

The Committee will be elected UK-wide by all members of the Co-operative Party Women’s Network.  However, no more than 3 candidates will be elected from a single region in England or from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Questions about the election?

Contact networks@party.coop

The information provided on this form will be used by Co-operative Party Head Office to facilitate the election as stated. This information will not be shared with local branches. The Co-operative Party will never share your information with anyone outside the Party without your consent.