Join our Board of Directors

Lincolnshire Co-op is on the lookout for candidates who want to make a difference in our local communities to stand for election to join our Board in a non-executive capacity.

We’re an independent member-owned retail co-operative, owned by our 300,000 local members and we operate over 200 outlets in Lincolnshire and surrounding counties (North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire).

Skills and experience

We strive to have a Board made up of members with a range of skills and experience that complement each other. We’re looking for candidates from a variety of backgrounds that have a range of skills to set our strategy and vision and ensure our long-term success.

We have a competency framework which outlines the attributes and experience we expect within the Board.

What does being a Director involve?

Being at Director at Lincolnshire Co-op is an interesting and varied role. Directors are elected and are accountable to the members that own the Society. Directors make decisions objectively in the interests of the Society, guided by our governing document and code of conduct.

An election for our Board of Directors takes place in May each year, and successful candidates are usually elected for a 3-year term. Directors can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms (a total of nine years).

Becoming a director is a significant commitment - likely to equate to around 28 days per year. There are 13 Board meetings held each year, which are held in Lincoln, plus most directors also sit on subcommittees. There is also a two-day strategy seminar and representing the Society at Annual Members’ Meetings and other member events.

What are the responsibilities of a Director?

Our Board is responsible for ensuring that we continue to be a successful co-operative. Main responsibilities include:

Understanding the Society’s business and setting its strategic direction in line with our unique purpose and approach.

Monitoring the performance of the business against key performance indicators and objectives.

Making decisions in the spirit of co-operative values and principles and for the long term success of the Society.

Eligibility criteria

To stand for election to the Board of Directors you must:

• be aged 18 years or over
• have been a member of Lincolnshire Co-op for at least 3 years
• have made purchases with Lincolnshire Co-op totalling £1,500 over the past 3 years, with at least £500 per year in at least two of the three years.

If you don’t currently meet these criteria but think that you may have something to offer, we’d still like to hear from you.

Director’s fees and expenses

Directors receive an annual fee of £8,500 plus expenses to recognise their contribution, with enhanced fees paid to the Chair, President and Vice President.

Next steps

We hold information events each year for potential Board candidates so you can find out more about the role of a director, understand our board and committee structures and our competency framework, plus you’ll have the chance to meet our executives and directors and ask questions.

If you’re interested in becoming a director and would like to come along to one of our information events, we’d love to hear from you. Please complete the below enquiry form.

To apply

Please email your name, address and contact details to secretariat@lincolnshire.coop, along with;

• Your membership number (6 digits)
• Your occupation
• Details of any organisations you are involved with currently and your role
• Please tell us about your skills, experience and qualifications
• Please tell us about your personal attributes in any of the following areas: strategic thinking, constructive questioning, leadership, team working, independent thought and judgement
• If you are related to anyone who works for Lincolnshire Co-op or are involved in any business or activity that competes with us or is one of our major suppliers
• If you have ever been disqualified from acting as a company director and/or have ever filed for bankruptcy
• Any other information you'd like to tell us

If you wish, you can also submit your CV, however this is not mandatory.