Our Food Democracy

We are democratically controlled by a vibrant and engaged membership who keep our co-operative rooted in our social, economic and environmental purpose.

our food democracy

Our Members

The members are the lifeblood of any co-operative, and we are no exception. Members are involved at all levels of the co-operative, be it volunteering in the shop, getting involved in member committees, attending member meetings or joining our Co-ordinating Body.

As a member you are not only entitled to all the benefits of membership, you are also a shareholder in our co-operative.

You’re able to attend our General Meetings, elect our Co-ordinating Body and participate in decisions about our Co-op.

Our
Co-ordinating Body

The Co-ordinating Body are elected by the members each year to guide the direction of our Co-op, and ensure that the operations remain aligned with our vision, purpose and values.

The volunteers on the CB provide an important link between the operations and our members, and provide an important safeguard to ensure that the Co-op continues to operate soundly.

The CB is assisted by a number of committees comprised of members interested in bringing their knowledge, skills and experience to the Co-op.

Our Staff Team

Our staff team are responsible for the day-to-day operations of our Co-op, and delivering on our strategic objectives as agreed with the Co-ordinating Body.

We focus on developing a team who are closely aligned with our co-operative’s values, with most members of staff being Co-op members before being employed at our Co-op.

our co-ordinating body

The Co-ordinating Body is the elected ‘board of directors’ of our co-operative. Three members are elected each year at our AGM. The Co-ordinating Body is responsible for guiding our strategy, safeguarding our resources and ensuring the management of our co-op remains aligned with our social, environmental and co-operative values.

Paulo - DFC CB Member

Paolo Bostrenghi

Chair

CB member Marina Lambrakis

Marina Lambrakis

Board Member

Jonas - DFC CB Member

Jonas Poulsen

Board Member

A photo of Kevin Koidl

Kevin Koidl

Board Member

Mia Gallagher

Mia Gallagher

Board Member

Join Us

I could be you!

Four vacant positions

Join Us

It could be you!

Four vacant positions

Join Us

It could be you!

Four vacant positions

our committees

Our committees support the Co-ordinating Body with their work, give more members a opportunity to be involved in the governance of our Co-op and bring their expertise, values and passion to our Co-op.

Finance, Audit & Risk

Chair: Martin Nolan

The CB is supported in the areas of finance, audit and risk by a committee of members with appropriate skills and experience. The committee is always looking for new members, so consider reach out.

Download the Terms of Reference (PDF 242kb – opens in a new window)

Nomination & Governance

Chair: Vacant

The CB is supported with its governance and succession role by a committee of members with appropriate skills and experience. The committee is always looking for new members, so consider reach out.

Download the Terms of Reference (PDF 116kb – opens in a new window)

Members' Affairs

Faciliator: Robert Cazacuic

The CB is facilitating the start of a Members’ Affairs Committee to provide a space for members to ask questions, share ideas and get involved without the commitment of joining the CB or one of the committees.

Read more.

Governance Knowledge Base

We have created a knowledge base of all the key documents and policies that members need to understand how our co-operative is governed and operated.

Co-op Constitution

Our governing document is our rulebook (a.k.a our Constitution) which sets down how our food democracy works.

CB Meeting Summaries

The CB meets on the second Monday of every month, and you can read summaries of these meetings below.

Board Policies

The CB has approved a suite of policies to govern the Co-op. You can find the full suite below.

Organisational Policies

The CB has approved a number of important operational and organisational policies. You can find the full suite below.

Annual General Meetings

The Co-op holds an Annual General Meeting each year to hear reports, adopt accounts, elect the CB and a number of other important actions.

Special General Meetings

From time to time, the Co-op holds Special General Meetings to consider important topics like changes to our Constitution or to authorise borrowing for purchases.

Board and Organisational Policies

Last updated: 22nd November 2020

You can links below to download a number of board and organisational policies as adopted by the Co-ordinating Body.

Board Policies

The following policies relate to the operation of the Co-ordinating Body. A number of these policies are under review by our Nomination & Governance Committee and will likely be amended/revised soon.

 

 

Organisational Policies

The following policies relate to the management and operation of the co-operative.
DFC Shop Staff

Becoming a Member

As a member, you gain access to our member benefits, which include member discounts, access to special orders, and can participate in our Co-op Community.

Through your membership of the Co-op, you will get access to an amazing community of people who share common values around food, the environment and building more resilient communities.

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