Co-operatives UK

We're hiring for the position of Operational Support Co-ordinator! This is a new and exciting opportunity to: ⭐ Lead on the end-to-end management for cross-functional initiatives ⭐ Develop and manage a centralised reporting system ⭐ Facilitate communication channels across departments ⭐ Participate in our AI squad Deadline: 22 Sept 2024 Find out more 👉 https://buff.ly/3kchbSc 📣 Please share with your networks!

🐛 Meet BATCOM – a group of people who love to make compost! This co-op of self-proclaimed ‘worm nerds’ take green waste from their gardens and allotments, using it to feed their own soil. 🪱 Their composting scheme is owned and controlled by their members, meaning it grows as the community wants it to, and reflects the needs of those who nourish it. 👩🌾 👨🌾 To help make their vision a reality, Shelly and her co-founders turned to our Business Support for Co-ops programme, supported by The Co-operative Bank plc. This gave them access to support from a co-op practitioner to help them get started. 🙌 💬 “There’s a lot of information to take in when setting up a community benefit society, and to have someone to talk it through and explain things has been really valuable.” – Shelly, BATCOM Check out the full case study for more 👉 https://buff.ly/3YNf3SU 👀 Are you looking to set up a co-op? Or does your existing co-op need support? Check out our Business Support for Co-ops Programme – supported by the Co-operative Bank. https://buff.ly/45KhNjW

Ripple's record-breaking efforts to make community energy scalable, impactful, and accessible to all are wholeheartedly endorsed by Co-operatives UK. Watch as CEO, Rose Marley, explains how people-owned power is a real "win-win". Read more about energy cooperatives here: https://bit.ly/3yGhgF1

Upskill your co-op secretary with our discounted training package 👇 Back by popular demand, our training package covers everything you need to know to feel confident in your role as secretary within a co-op or community benefit society. The package includes: ✅ Secretary I: The essentials (5 Sept, online) ✅ Secretary II: Putting learning into practice (7 Nov, Manchester) Access your discount 👉 https://t.co/b79pgemioE

We're incredibly proud to have Suma Wholefoods as a partner member. The commitment to fairness doesn't only extend to Fair Tax Foundation. Look at worker pay and democratic decision-making; look at environmental achievements, commitments and aspirations; look at ethical sourcing; look at social responsibility.... That's a lot of 'look ats' (and we could've gone on). Also a shout out to all the other #coops with Fair Tax accreditation. And did you know, co-operatives including The Midcounties Co-operative and the Phone Coop, pioneered the Fair Tax Mark. Big member-owned retail co-operatives, including East of England Co-op, Scotmid Co-operative, Southern Co-op, Radstock Co-operative Society and The Co-op all demonstrate how important they think it is to pay the right amount of tax at the right time. Major worker-owned co-ops (like Suma and Unicorn Grocery) do the same. There's also lots of other co-operatives that demonstrate their fair tax credentials. Our members Westmill Solar Co-operative and VME Coop are just a couple of examples. AND - can't forget ourselves - Co-operatives UK is accredited as well You can see the full list of accredited organisations (and discover more about the Fair Tax accreditation) here: https://lnkd.in/d-zb74fD

Don’t miss out on our training covering the most essential skills for co-op directors – delivered by experts at unbeatable prices. Courses start at just £65 + VAT! 🔹 Business planning (11-12 Sept) 🔹 What’s expected from co-op directors (10 Oct) 🔹 Understanding your co-op’s finances (16-17 Oct) 🔹 Risk management (13 Nov) Book now 👉 https://buff.ly/3wzqGRd

It’s so important to share knowledge with young people about the co-operative business model and why it does indeed build towards a better world on #internationalyouthday Co-ops have sustainable solutions for - energy - housing - data ownership Just some of the subjects we know young people care about! Co-operatives UK received a record number of applications for the youth advisory group in follow up to the National Youth Summit this year, we can’t wait to announce the final members and start work! Megan Cummins Leila O'Sullivan Dominic Mills Kasey Law

📢 CALLING ALL TECH SAVVY CO‑OPERATORS! 📢 🧑💻 Channel your skills and passion into building digital solutions that empower #coops. Join the third Co‑op Hackathon on 1-2 October in Staffordshire! We’ll be collaboratively developing joined-up digital infrastructure for the co‑op movement. 🧳 It’s FREE to attend and travel bursaries are available. And if you want to get in on the start of something amazing, be sure to join the online sessions we’re holding prior to the event too! Find out more ➡️ https://buff.ly/3E7w2Ui 💻💪 Delivered by Co-operatives UK, sponsored by The Co-operative Bank and Central Co-op.

📣 Calling all co-op secretaries. Learn the skills and qualities required to carry out your role with our discounted secretary training package. This includes: 🌟 Co-op Secretary I: The essentials (5 Sept – online 10-12.30) 🌟 Co-op Secretary II: Putting learning into practice (7 Nov – in-person training day) Find out more 👉 https://buff.ly/3v61fpz Email events@uk.coop to get your discount!

🌟 Why diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) matter for your business 🌟 At Co-operatives UK we believe a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is a powerful catalyst for innovation, member engagement and business success. In our latest guest blog, Philippa Herz, Chief Financial Officer of our partner member OneFamily, shares her thoughts on why DEI is the foundation for a thriving workforce and a responsive business. 💡 Diversity Drives Success "Talented candidates tell me that diversity makes us more attractive as an employer. Seeing someone like you at every level means you know you’ll be heard," says Philippa. And OneFamily's commitment to diverse representation - across all roles - ensures every voice us valued, reflecting the society it serves. 💬 Representation Matters More than 50% of the OneFamily Board is comprised of women, but the isn’t about filling quotas, it's about getting the best people involved and ensuring all perspectives are considered. 🔄 Flexibility Fuels Inclusion Supporting colleagues with non-traditional work patterns, like those with care-giving responsibilities, is crucial. And in her blog Philippa emphasises the importance of accommodating different life circumstances to retain valuable skills and experiences in the workforce. 🎯 Why DEI is Good Business To stay relevant to customers, businesses need to reflect their communities. A diverse team shapes better products, services, and communications, aligning with the real needs of members and customers. At the heart of OneFamily’s approach is a simple truth: embracing our differences makes us stronger. And that’s something every business can learn from. Read the full blog 👉 https://lnkd.in/eDMqFVxs #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #CooperativesUK