Exploring the Young Co-operators Network with Reece Leel

As part of today’s Young People theme during Co-op Fortnight, we catch up with colleague Reece Leel on his Midcounties journey so far and why he joined the Young Co-operators Network.

Name: Reece Leel

Job Title: “Project Management Intern” – As of 21^st June I am “HR Graduate Trainee”

Location/Site: Warwick Head Office

Length of time working at Midcounties: 1 Year, 9 Months

 

Tell us a little about yourself?

My job role is currently part-time, I manage and assist with projects across our central HR function. Most recently, I forefronted the ‘colleague check-ins’ project which has seen the removal of traditional annual reviews and appraisals, replacing them with less formal, more regular performance conversations.

My ambition is to begin my full-time career within Midcounties this summer. Once I complete my university degree, I will be joining the HR team full-time which intertwines nicely with my law degree, without being too repetitive of existing knowledge and will still provide me with a fresh start to learn new things. I’m massively looking forward to it and aspire to work as hard as possible while learning, to improve my existing skillset.

My main hobbies include cooking, gaming and watching Netflix. I also enjoy playing golf and watching football with my mates, obviously supporting my hometown of Wolves FC. I also love cars and take pride in looking after and maintaining my own, I love a good cruise down a countryside road, away from the congestion of course!

 

As a Young Co-operator, can you tell us why you joined the Network?

I joined the network while I began working for the Society on my internship and it was advertised to me as an *exclusive group* for any young co-operators aged 16-30. As I already worked for the Society, I felt encouraged to become a part of something that is more than my day job. The network offers young people a chance to get their voices heard in the Society where they may not necessarily have been heard before, which interested me a lot.

Plus, there was the advantage of networking by joining the YCN. As a new colleague, it’s difficult to get to know everyone in your office, let alone 8,500 colleagues. Being a member of the YCN has allowed me to reach out to other young co-operators, some of who are much more experienced in the Society, they are always happy to direct me and help find other colleagues around the young co-operators network, which speeds up my work rate and increases my efficiency. I don’t have to spend long amounts of time searching for ideal colleagues to give me project feedback, instead, many are at arm’s reach thanks to the YCN.

 

What are you looking to gain from the Young Co-operators Network?

I personally have been able to take part in a few different events and projects around the Society, just last year I was involved in representing the Young Co-operators Network at a careers fair at Wolverhampton University. These types of opportunities allow me to gain the earlier-mentioned networking skills, as well as more confidence by undertaking new and different roles. Overall, being a part of the YCN as a colleague has benefitted my integration into the Society and helps me play more of an active role. It’s a really rewarding feeling to contribute more and learn while I am new to the Society.

 

What else do you think Midcounties could do to involve and engage more young people?

From my own experience, YCN is there for colleagues who join the Society on a part or full-time basis and they fit into the age category of 16-30. Going forward we should perhaps integrate the network into their induction and promote the benefits. It helps to give them an opt-in as soon as they join.

Also, I think plenty of competitions and giveaways are always good and enticing to young people, you’ve got to be in it to win it! If you hear about a colleague winning an Apple watch from the YCN, you will be more likely to look out for messages from the YCN for the next competition.

Exclusive deals and offers could also be offered to young people through the app, similar to diamond discount for the elderly in Food Stores, we could do a ‘YCN Tuesday’ where everything is 10% off in stores or 5% off travel bookings – helping to boost cross-trade through our trading groups and encouraging more engagement from YCN members. I think one deal that would be great would be a £1 meal deal (sandwich, crisps, drink) only once a week for YCN members, it would help boost engagement and be worth it.

 

With it being Co-op Fortnight between 21^st June-4^th July, why do you think it’s important for young people to be active in Your Co-op?

Of course, young people are the future, inevitably. All the values the Co-op stands for are everything that young people are required to follow in order to create a sustainable future. I believe the world where PLC’s and monopolistic companies reign supreme is soon to end, and there will be a new era of sustainability-focused consumers. Businesses are now more than ever looking at the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit) instead of JUST the bottom line (profit), to ensure that sustainable development can take place as a business and ensure the future can happen successfully. Young co-operators are the ones who will live and breathe in the ‘sustainable future’ and therefore should be tuned in to Co-op Fortnight, as well as all other activities the Society takes part in because Co-op’s are the way forward!

 

With the first-ever Young Co-operators Election campaign happening this year, why is it important for young members to stand for election?

I believe it is simply furthering the purpose of the young cooperator's network: to give young people voices and opportunities within the Society. The fact that any young cooperator, colleague or member, can stand for the election shows the openness of the network. It’s a means for young people to be heard no matter what their background is. If you would like to take part in the Young Co-operators Election campaign see here.

 

Aged 16-30 and interested in joining the Young Co-operators Network?

Why not join our Facebook page here.

For any questions or queries comment below or email us at YCN@midcounties.coop. We hope to hear from you soon!