Emelita Robbins
Emelita Robbins
I am proud to be a member of the Co-op and a regular customer of our local stores. Like many members, I value the important role the Co-op plays in island life. Our Society is more than just a retailer; it is a unique, member-owned institution that belongs to us and built on values of fairness, responsibility and service.
Like many members, I have spent much of my working life serving organisations that exist to support islanders and strengthen our community.
I am standing for election because I believe my experience could be useful in helping our Co-op continue to thrive and deliver real value for members today and for future generations.
Throughout my career I have worked in leadership roles across business, law and the charity sector. What connects those experiences is a focus on people, strong values and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I believe those same principles are essential for a successful Co-op and I can add real value to decision making at Board and Executive level.
Many islanders know me from my time as Chief Executive of Jersey Hospice Care. During that period I worked closely with government and the health system to secure the first formal agreement supporting hospice services. This helped ensure the organisation had a secure financial foundation and allowed the implementation of a system wide change that enabled end-of-life care to be delivered more widely in the community, including to people with conditions other than cancer. It meant more islanders could receive care and support at one of the most important moments in their lives. I also led the extension of Hospice services to children with chronic long term health conditions. During my time with Hospice I received an IOD Director of the Year Award for demonstrating 'outstanding governance'.
I have also chaired Jersey’s Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change. That process brought together local people to learn about the challenges facing our island and to help shape practical solutions. It demonstrated the value of listening carefully to the community and giving islanders a genuine voice in decisions that affect them. The process helped shape the Carbon Neutral Policy Roadmap adopted by the government.
In this way throughout my career I have demonstrated a strong commitment to representing the interests of our community. I have also supported diversity and equality initiatives such as the Living Wage, fair pay and inclusion strategies to make sure everyone is heard.
Earlier in my career I worked for many years as a commercial litigation lawyer for a large international law firm in London and then in Jersey. That experience gave me a strong understanding of how well-run organisations make decisions, build trust, manage risk, resolve conflict and plan for the long term.
Today I work as a business adviser, helping organisations strengthen their strategy and governance so that they remain successful and sustainable.
Together these career experiences have shown me that strong organisations balance three things well: financial strength, social responsibility and careful long-term thinking.
The Co-op is uniquely placed to do exactly that. Its member-owned structure, strong values and deep community connections are real strengths. I have been encouraged to see new initiatives in recent years such as Member Prices, Co-op Mobile and the Blueprint for a Sustainable Future delivering benefits for members and the wider community.
If elected to the Board, I would focus on helping the Co-op continue to:
• deliver good value and strong financial performance so members share in its success
• support local community organisations in ways that make a real difference
• strengthen local supply chains and increase the availability of island-grown food
• continue reducing waste and protecting the environment for future generations
Above all, I firmly believe the Co-op should remain a business that members trust, value and feel proud to own, and one that is carefully run for the benefit of its members and the wider community.
I understand that being a director of the Co-op is a responsibility to look after the Society on behalf of its members and to help ensure it remains strong for the long term.
I believe with my legal background and my experience in community leadership, sustainability, organisational governance and supporting the local economy would allow me to make a positive contribution to the Co-op’s future - and I would very much welcome the opportunity.
Thank you for taking the time to read my statement, and I hope I can count on your support.
Proposer – David Chambers
Seconder – Maureen Neighbour
