Message from our Chair

Welcome from Cllr Louise Gittins

I am delighted and honoured to have been elected as the new Chair of CCIN and thank you to everyone who has faith in me to take on the role. Following in the footsteps and leadership of Baroness Taylor is a big task but one I will face with commitment and determination.

In 2019 I became the leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council: one of my first objectives was for the Council to join CCIN and become a Co-operative Council. The values of CCIN closely aligned to both our values as a Council and my own personal mission to build a stronger, fairer, greener future for and with our communities.

Embedding Co-operative Values and Principles into our work in Cheshire West, has enabled us to make great strides towards empowering our communities, strengthening partnerships and growing our local economy. Working with the network made us realise the power of community action and engagement and the difference the cooperative way makes in delivering our services. We have demonstrated our commitment by taking part in Policy Labs, sharing good practice case studies, and signing up for the Fair Tax Declaration.  

As Chair of the CCIN, I will bring passion, enthusiasm, and a drive to spread the Cooperative word and increase our network across the country. I am committed to our role as a ‘non-party-political hub for Cooperative policy development and advocacy’. As chair, I will ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and that all members, associates, and affiliates from across the network can participate in a meaningful cooperative way, share good practice, and develop innovative ideas.

Today, in the face of the cost-of-living crisis and the financial challenges facing the public sector, our collective work is crucial. Together, we must continue reclaiming the traditions of community action, community engagement, and civic empowerment that can transform communities.  I will ensure this work progresses and develops across our network and actions are delivered at pace.

I look forward to meeting you all over the coming months and welcoming new members to our rapidly expanding network.

Best wishes 

Louise