Post Office UK: another vital milestone in resetting our relationship with Postmasters
Applications open today (Monday 4 January) for two serving Postmasters to join the Board of Post Office as Non-Executive Directors for the first time in its history. The progressive decision will ensure that the experience and interests of 8,000 Postmasters are directly reflected in the decisions of the Post Office’s main Board.
The appointments are a key milestone in the sustained re-set of the relationship with Postmasters, placing them front and centre of the business.
To reinforce the Post Office’s commitment to ensuring Postmasters’ voices are well represented at Board level, the Board and Shareholder have made the decision to increase the number of serving Postmaster Non-Executive Director (NED) roles to two. This will further strengthen the Non-Executive Directors’ input on all issues as they help shape the future direction of the Post Office.
Key to the success of these appointments is the governance put in place to ensure a transparent and independent selection process. An independent committee comprising leading industry figures: James Lowman, CEO, Association of Convenience Stores; Shirine Khoury-Haq, CFO at the Co-op Group; and Jean Church MBE, Council Member at the Institute of Directors has been appointed. All will contribute a wealth of convenience retailing, financial and independent executive level experience. The voting process will be overseen by Civica Elections services (formerly Electoral Reform Services), and Green Park consultants, specialists in board appointments, who will advise on best practice across the process.
The successful Postmaster NEDs will join the Board in April 2021, at the start of the new financial year for Post Office.
Nick Read, Chief Executive of the Post Office, said: “Having two serving Postmasters on our Board sends the clearest signal yet of our determination to ensure Postmasters really are at the heart of our business, and this election is another vital milestone in resetting our relationship with Postmasters. The transparent and independent selection process, led by external industry experts, will ensure the Board is able to benefit from the counsel and input of the most suitable candidates.”
“To sit on the Board of any company carries great responsibility, a responsibility I know our Postmasters will be well placed to fulfil. I have been encouraged by the interest from Postmasters in applying and look forward to working with our two new Non-Executive Directors in March.”
