Democratic structure
Scottish Midland Co-operative Society is owned and democratically controlled by its members, every member has an opportunity to play their part, whether it is by attending members meetings or by being elected to serve on Area Committees, Education Committees or the Board Of Directors.
True to the democratic principles on which the Co-operative movement was founded, Scotmid does not exist for the benefit of a Board Of Directors and expectant shareholders. We exist for the benefit of our members; therefore they are represented on our board. In fact the Board Of Directors is made up entirely of members.
Members Meetings
The Annual General Meetings of members are held in May. The Annual Accounts and Reports are presented to and approved by the board. Elections of members to serve on Area Committees and Member Relations Committee are also conducted at these meetings.
Ordinary General Meetings are held in October, where an Interim report is presented. Nominations of members for the various committees and members delegates are accepted for elections at the Annual General Meeting the following year.
The Board of Directors is elected from members of the Area Committees, and employs the Chief Executive Officer to run the business. The Board of Directors is also responsible for the policy of the Society.
Area Committees elect from their committee members directors to serve on the main Board Of Directors. These committees have a regional feel to them. Trading and democratic issues are presented at monthly meetings.
So What Does All This Mean
Co-ops are owned and democratically controlled by their members. All decisions taken about the Co-op are made democratically, as opposed to a PLC; each member has an equal vote regardless of the amount of money held in their share capital. "ONE MEMBER ONE VOTE".
To use the words of George Washington, "Government of the People, by the People, for the People."
The Co-operative Party
There are a number of elected Co-op Labour MPs in Westminster currently representing not just their constituencies from were they were elected but the values and principles of the Co-operative movement. Active participation within the party is always encouraged. Each year a wide ranging agenda is prepared which allows members to involve themselves in the work of the party, National conferences, consumer affairs, guest speakers, party visits, foreign study tours, summer schools, whatever your area of interest there's always room for those of endeavor and character.
Co-operative Women's Guilds
For over 100 years the Women's Guild movement has held true to its principles of informing women of their role in society and rights to equality. Now perhaps more than ever before the movement has a valid place in society. There are nine guild branches within the Scotmid area with branch meetings weekly from September to May.