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WITH a history that dates back more than 100 years, this mainstay of the islands’ community has played a key role in the lives of countless families – and is now inviting some to become even more closely involved by applying for a position on the board.
Co-operatives have always been about doing business the right way, balancing financial stability with looking out for members and the community. We caught up with the chair of the Coop board, Jon Bond, to chat about what it’s like leading such an organisation, the challenges and the rewards.
What inspired you to stand for election as a director of the Channel Islands Coop?
A former director suggested it to me. We had worked together on a charity, and after chatting about the Coop, my interest was piqued. I run my own business, so this felt like a whole new challenge and quite different from my day-to-day, working at a different level and tackling complex issues that really got me thinking. It’s surprising when you start looking into the Coop just how complex the society is.
What are the key responsibilities and challenges you face as the chair?
Being chair is no small job; it’s all about keeping things on track and working with others. My main role is to bring the board together and make sure we’re focusing on the right priorities.
Unlike many organisations, our Coop directors are elected by members, which makes things a bit different, particularly around succession planning, which is generally a key role of the chair.
The chair works closely with the chief executive and the society secretary, helping to ensure the board runs smoothly. It’s all about creating a board that adds value, isn’t afraid to challenge decisions and makes sure we are always putting members first. With my accounting background, I work closely with our finance team to make sure our long-term plans are solid and align with our mission.
How do you balance the interests of members while ensuring the Coop remains financially sustainable?
One of the biggest balancing acts is making sure members get the most out of
the Coop while keeping things financially stable.
It’s tricky. We want to give members as many benefits as possible, but we also need to make sure we stay strong for the future.
That’s why we’ve focused on things like improving our properties and upgrading our in-store experience, and what we can offer our members.
As an example, our partnership with Carrefour is part of that. We’ve also introduced special member pricing to offer more value for members. We are really focused on adding value in a sustainable way. Having a balanced view about creating value for members, but making sure that it’s sustainable over the long term, is absolutely key.
Can you share an example of a difficult decision you’ve had to make as chair and how you navigated it?
Tough decisions are part of the job. A particularly difficult moment was during 2024 when we had to announce that the dividend might be reduced or even not paid at all. It was the right decision, but it became clear that our communication with our members didn’t anticipate some fear over deposits.
That was a really tough time for us as a board. It was absolutely the right thing to do and the right thing to communicate at that time, but our message created a response that we were not expecting.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to take on a leadership role within the Channel Islands Coop?
The Coop is built on strong values, serving the community and doing things the right way. If that speaks to you, and you’ve got skills and experience to bring to the table, you can make a real impact.
There’s a vast array of skill sets and experiences within the board and within the executive team. Combining Coop values and then adding your own experience into what we’re doing and being able to question and analyse things and come at it from your specific expertise would be extremely beneficial. Stay engaged, ask the right questions and use your expertise to help steer decisions.
How does the board effectively collaborate with management and members to drive the co-operative’s success?
Hearing from members is a huge part of how the Coop works. We’ve been running workshops and are looking at setting up member councils across the islands to make it easier to get direct feedback. Simple things like voting in director elections and showing up at AGMs really make a difference.
When looking ahead, we’re focused on keeping the Coop strong and member-driven. Sustainability is everything, not just financially, but in making sure we stay true to our co-operative values. Staying involved, making informed decisions and always thinking long-term will help us keep delivering for our members.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of serving on the board, and what has been the most challenging?
The people, hands down, are the most rewarding aspect. Meeting passionate colleagues and members from across the islands is amazing. Getting their perspectives and working together to shape the Coop’s future is what makes it all worthwhile.
Leading a Coop isn’t easy but it’s incredibly rewarding. Strong values, strategic thinking and member engagement are the keys to long-term success.
How to apply
Anyone interested in joining the board has until 7pm on 21 March 2025 to apply. Successful candidates will be notified at the beginning of April before the election process begins.
The results will be declared at the annual members’ meetings in Jersey and Guernsey in May.
To apply and find out more information about the work of the Coop, visit
channelislands.coop/becomeamember
