International Co-operative Working Group

What is the International Co-operative Working Group?

The ICWG supports the planning, co-ordination and delivery of the UK Co-operative Movement's international activity.

Areas of activity:

• To share information and intelligence to ensure Co-operatives UK and the wider UK Co-operative Movement are represented effectively internationally. This involves co-ordinating discussions and consultations with other representative bodies in the UK operating internationally

• Ensure that, in liaison with the Board, the Co-operatives UK strategy considers an international agenda. To confirm international representation at events and meetings, advising on resolutions and the use of its votes

• Support and co-ordinate requests for global co-operative development programmes and relief funds, such as the £100,000 raised to support India through the Covid crisis 

• Co-ordinate and agree the collection of funds to contribute towards international commitments such as the activities of the International Co-operative Alliance and International Organisation of Industrial and Service Cooperatives

Who are members of the ICWG?

The working group meets six times a year and brings together individuals from the co-operative movement who play a role in international representation. Current members are:

• Chair: Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK

• Lead: Dr Sarah Alldred, The Co-operative College

• Anca Voinea, Co-op News

• Ben Reid, International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) Board member

• Bernadette Turner, Former UK International Officer

• Blase Lambert, Confederation of Co-operative Housing

• Debbie Robinson, Central England

• Emily Pearce, Co-op Group

• Greg Roberts, The Co-operative College

• Jenny de Villiers, Co-operatives UK Board

• Neil Calvert, The Co-operative College

• Pete Westall, Midcounties Co-operative, ICETT representative

• Sion Whellens, CECOP/CICOPA Board member

• Shaun Tarbuck, ICMIF

• Russell Gill, Co-op Group

• Vivian Woodell, Cooperatives Europe Board Member