Leadership of our new Society confirmed - Podcast

00:00:04:07 – 00:00:13:15
Debbie:
Hello there everyone. I hope you're all keeping safe and well. It’s Debbie here and I'm welcoming you back to our podcast.

00:00:13:17 – 00:00:18:21
Phil:
Yep, and Phil here too. Joining Debbie as once again.

00:00:18:23 – 00:00:39:03
Debbie:
Wow. What a week it has been with quite a lot of information to share with you on this podcast. So it will be less about the question and answers that we've been dealing with in the previous, and much more about what's happened over the last couple of weeks and what's about to happen over the next few weeks.

00:00:39:05 – 00:01:00:23
Phil:
That's right. Tuesday evening, this week, very important. Obviously, it was the third of the members meetings. It was the second Midcounties Members meeting. And we're delighted to say that over 540 members voted with a 97% majority in favour of the confirmatory vote for the merger between our two great societies.

00:01:01:00 – 00:01:20:12
Debbie:
What an absolutely amazing turnout from members. True democracy in action. And as you say, Phil, an overwhelmingly positive response to the proposed coming together of these two fantastic co-operative societies.

00:01:20:14 – 00:01:38:10
Phil:
Yeah. And we've had brilliant feedback from members, which is always really good because obviously you set these sessions up, giving members the opportunity to either turn up in person or join online. Most tend to join online—you know, it’s early December, late November as the early meetings were, it's cold, dark evenings. We expect people not to want to travel. Lots of members joined online but still interacted. We had more questions than we could answer on Tuesday night—you run out of time to answer all the questions, which really demonstrates the interest members have shown in this process, how engaged they've been, and the tough questions they've asked, which is what you want.

00:01:38:10 – 00:01:57:08
Phil:
So we were delighted with the outcome and the process, and really, really appreciative of all the members who took the time to join each meeting and exercise their democratic voice.

00:01:57:08 – 00:02:11:07
Debbie:
I couldn't agree more. Turnout like that and results like that don't happen by accident. I think we should really recognise all the people involved in both societies for such a tremendous turnout. And also, the tech just seemed seamless—being able to attend in person or participate from home is brilliant.

00:02:11:09 – 00:02:36:08
Phil:
Yeah. The teams involved in organising the meetings were first class. I attended your meeting at Derby; you've attended both of ours. We both recognise the quality of the teams organising these events—putting on the information, organising the technology, keeping us to time, and making sure everything runs smoothly.

00:02:36:14 – 00:02:57:04
Phil:
The work done by the teams supporting these events was absolutely first class. We're really proud of them. The Presidents have written to them expressing their appreciation, which is really important.

00:02:57:04 – 00:03:12:22
Phil:
Great work.

00:03:12:22 – 00:03:14:09
Debbie:
And it's going to be so important in the future as we create a new society that democracy remains at the heart of all our decisions.

00:03:14:11 – 00:03:23:19
Phil:
And I mean, one of the things I was going to say as well is that a good number of members attending were colleagues. Colleagues have a vested interest in this merger—it matters to them. To see so many colleagues join, ask questions, and vote in favour really shows the trust they’re placing in us.

00:03:23:21 – 00:04:08:02
Debbie:
I couldn't agree more. Our colleagues are the lifeblood of our societies, and their passion and unanimous support really puts us on a great footing going forward. Now, I’m sure many of you are wondering: what happens next? Everyone has had their voice and voted. So, Phil, let’s talk about the next stages.

00:04:08:04 – 00:04:45:24
Phil:
Certainly. As we said at the meetings, the plan is to complete this process legally. There’s a lot of work to be done—regulatory registrations, legal documentation, transfer of assets, etc. The plan is for completion on the 26th of January, the day after the end of both our financial years. There’s a lot to get done before then. Much of the effort now is on completing all legal processes and planning the integration—thinking about how we bring these societies together in every element.

00:04:46:00 – 00:05:06:07
Debbie:
And it’s fair to say that a lot of work has already taken place. Since the vote last Tuesday, an interim Board has been formed, consisting of members from both the Central Co-op Board and the Midcounties Board. We can confirm that Elaine Dean will remain as President for the newly formed society.

00:05:06:09 – 00:05:36:01
Debbie:
All of this takes effect on the 26th of January 2026. Elaine will be supported by two Vice Presidents: Irene Kirkman and Richard Bickle—real balance from both societies.

00:05:36:01 – 00:05:54:18
Phil:
That’s right. Irene is currently our President and will remain so until the 26th. Irene and Elaine have known each other for some time and built a strong relationship. From the 26th, there will no longer be two societies—just one Board with a President and two Vice Presidents.

00:05:54:18 – 00:06:14:05
Debbie:
It’s a really good point—the time both Boards have spent shaping what the new society will look like.

00:06:14:05 – 00:06:38:19
Phil:
Absolutely. Boards are elected by members and give up their time. Throughout this process they’ve been working almost full time to support us and our colleagues to get everything to this stage.

00:06:38:21 – 00:07:16:17
Debbie:
They’ve been brilliant—early mornings, late nights. We thank them not only for the work so far but for their ongoing commitment to cooperation and our societies.

00:07:16:17 – 00:07:21:17
Phil:
And as members saw at the meetings, the Boards led the sessions, as they should—they represent the members.

00:07:21:19 – 00:07:33:23
Debbie:
The interim Board has also appointed CEOs. They’ve asked me to be CEO of the newly formed society, and I’m delighted to say Phil will remain as CEO for the integration.

00:07:34:00 – 00:08:03:11
Phil:
Yeah, it’s a big job. I’ve been CEO for seven years—plenty of challenges along the way. Looking ahead, I’m delighted to play a part in creating this new society that you will lead for the longer term. I’m looking forward to working with you and the Executive team.

00:08:03:13 – 00:08:29:00
Debbie:
Likewise. Next, we’ll put together an Executive team and an integration team. There will be amazing career opportunities—either in business-as-usual roles or working on this once-in-a-career integration.

00:08:29:00 – 00:09:16:13
Phil:
Exactly. Transformations are exciting, dynamic, and challenging. Sequencing is vital—we mustn’t rush. But it’s a great opportunity for colleagues to demonstrate and develop skills.

00:09:16:15 – 00:10:15:20
Debbie:
Both of us have worked on integrations before—they can be uncomfortable, but hugely rewarding. I encourage everyone to look for opportunities to step forward.

00:10:15:22 – 00:12:17:06
Phil:
Don’t forget to check the FAQs on our websites and communication channels. If you have more questions, keep sending them in. And congratulations on the appointment—I wish you well.

00:12:17:06 – 00:12:46:00
Debbie:
Likewise, Phil—thank you.

00:12:46:00 – 00:12:48:09
Phil:
Thank you very much.