How OurCoop is run
OurCoop answers to one million Members, not shareholders. The Rules, your Board, information about Members’ meetings, and every report we publish - you can find it all here.
No shareholders. One million owners.
One Member, one vote. Every time.
Open and transparent reporting.
Our new Society and its governance review
OurCoop was formed on 26 January 2026 following the coming together of Central Co-op, The Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star to create a stronger, member-owned organisation rooted in shared Co-operative values.
We are now one of the largest independent retailers in the UK, owned by more than one million members and supported by more than 12,000 colleagues working in communities across the country.
While we are independent from The Co-operative Group, we are proud to be part of the wider co-operative movement. By working together with other co-operatives and organisations across the movement, we can create greater benefits and opportunities for our members, customers and communities.
OurCoop is currently governed by a transitional Board of 20 Directors. The Board has appointed a Governance Review Committee which is overseeing a Society Governance review. This review will look at our governance arrangements to ensure they are right for our new Society and its members.
The new governance framework and Rules will be put to Members for approval at a special Members meeting taking place eon the 27th January 2027. You can find out more information about our Society events in the Membership section of this website.
Until then, OurCoop will continue to operate under its existing transitional governance arrangements.
Your meetings
Two meetings a year, and your say at both. These meetings are your opportunity to hear about Society performance, and put your questions to Directors. You can also meet your fellow Members and find out how you can get involved in our Membership and community activity.
Becoming a Board Member
The Board is elected by and from Members. Any eligible Member can put themselves forward for election, and every Member's vote counts the same. It's one of the ways we demonstrate the co-operative principle of democratic Member control.
The Board and its Committees
Directors are elected by Members and set the strategy for the Society by working closely with the Executive team.
The Reports
The Society annual and interim report lives on the web first, read more about OurCoop's Society impact, Coop Difference and review our financial performance.
Rules
Our Rulebook sets out how our Society is run. It's a rulebook owned by Members: setting out the responsibilities of the Board, the Executive team and the rights of Members . Only a Member vote can change them.
Explore Governance
The Rules
The Rulebook Members own setting out the responsibilities of the Board, the Executive team and the rights of Members.
The Rules
Governance documents
The Rules of OurCoop
Your plain-English guide. The Rulebook Members own.
Co-operative Corporate Governance Code
Co-operatives UK. The independent standard we report against.
Committee terms of reference
Reviewed annually. Every committee's purpose, powers and reporting duties. Placeholder pending the client. Coming soon.