Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you making this announcement?
Midcounties and Central Co-op have a long history of co-operation and our Boards and Exec teams have been in discussion for several months about how we can benefit our members and colleagues through even closer ties. As a result, discussions about merging our societies are now at an advanced stage. While discussions are ongoing, we believe that bringing our two societies together in this way could create a stronger and more resilient Society; able to navigate challenging economic headwinds and invest for the future, while providing greater value to our members and communities, and offer more rewarding careers and greater opportunities for development for our colleagues.
Although our respective Boards have not yet made a decision on whether to propose a merger, we are making this announcement now to be fully transparent with our members and make you aware that these discussions have been taking place. We believe that this potential merger presents a unique opportunity to strengthen both of our societies and support co-operation across the UK and internationally, but we also recognise that this would be a significant change and want to ensure that our members are fully consulted before we ask you to make any decisions on the future of your Society.
What happens next?
Ultimately, if the Midcounties and Central Co-op Boards decide to support merging to create a new Society, it will be for members to choose if they want to accept these proposals. Should your Boards choose to proceed then we expect that members will be contacted in the coming weeks to give information about what you are being asked to vote on, how we will ensure you are fully consulted throughout the process, when votes will occur and how you can participate.
What does this mean for colleagues?
For now, it is very much business as usual and we know our colleagues will keep doing the great job they do serving our members and customers.
Should the merger proposals move forward and then be approved by members, there would be a very considered process of integration as we become one new Society, and our colleagues would be kept fully informed throughout.
In the meantime, we want to make sure that every colleague can ask questions you might have and we will be holding regular briefings and answering any questions they may have throughout this process.
How can I find out more information?
At this stage, we are not yet asking our respective members to consider proposals to merge. Should our Boards choose to move forward with the proposals, then you will be the first to know and we will contact you directly with all the relevant information on what this means, as well as publishing information on our website. We would also hold several member consultation events ahead of any votes taking place to give every member the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
When will a decision be made?
Discussions are ongoing and we expect that our Boards will make a decision on whether to propose a merger in the coming weeks. Should that happen then we will ensure that there is enough time for members to consider the proposals and be fully consulted. We will of course keep you updated as soon as any decisions are made.