Jennifer Bridge

Three years ago, I was honoured to be elected as a director on a manifesto in which I pledged to be the voice of the customer in the boardroom. It is a responsibility I have taken seriously, particularly through some challenging times. I am deeply grateful to those customers who have reached out to me, whether by phone (my number remains in the book), via email, or in person at our local Coop in Grouville. Customers’ thoughts, concerns, and ideas have shaped my approach, and it has been a privilege to listen and advocate on their behalf.

The Coop has been part of my life since birth. I still use the same membership number that my parents first registered in the 1950s - a symbol of the long-standing connection my family and I have with this organisation. But my commitment to the Coop goes beyond history; it is rooted in a deep belief in its role as a cornerstone of our community. The Coop is more than just a retailer - it is a lifeline, providing affordable, good-quality food, supporting over 1,000 islanders in employment, and supporting our local growers and producers by sourcing £8 million worth of produce locally.

Looking beyond my role on the Board, as a member of the Jersey Living Wage Advisory Board, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that fair wages and good working conditions have on individuals and families. I have spoken up to ensure that our colleagues are valued and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. A well-supported workforce doesn’t just strengthen the Coop - it strengthens our entire community.

My experience as a teacher and formerly in my role at the prison has also given me an unfiltered view of the harsh realities of poverty in our island. I have seen children struggle because their families are forced to make impossible choices between food, rent, and heating. I have met hardworking parents juggling multiple jobs just to stay afloat. These are not abstract issues - they are the daily realities for many in our community. That is why I believe so strongly in the Coop’s mission and why I want to continue ensuring that it remains an organisation that truly serves the people who rely on it most.

My passion is, and always has been, to ensure that customers, colleagues, and local suppliers can thrive. I want the Coop to be the best employer it can be, the most trusted retailer on the island, and a beacon of fairness and responsibility, embodying Cooperative values. As an educator, I have always believed in lifelong learning, and I want to see our staff empowered, developed, and given the opportunities they deserve.

The Coop is not just a business; it is a force for good. Its community funding and volunteering changes lives, its commitment to Fairtrade matters, and its impact on our island is significant.

With experience in education, governance, and the charitable sector, I bring the skills, insight, and dedication to help shape the Channel Islands Coop’s future. I would be honoured to continue this journey, ensuring that the Coop remains an organisation that stands for fairness, sustainability, and the wellbeing of our entire community.

Proposed by: Robert Surcouf
Seconded by: Victoria Bisson