Co-operatives UK a partner in new Mutuals Information Service

Co-operatives UK is pleased to announce it
is a partner in the new Mutuals Information Service, a service to deliver
specialist advice and support to mutual organisations spinning out of the
public sector.

Funded by the Cabinet Office, the Mutuals Information
Service aims to inform public sector workers about mutual models and signpost those
interested in setting up a mutual to appropriate guidance and support.

The Mutuals Information Service is being delivered by a
consortium that includes Co-operatives UK, PA Consulting Group, Employee Ownership Association, Social
Enterprise UK, Baxi Partnership and the Office for Public Management.

Co-operatives UK’s role in the service is
two-fold:

• To promote understanding of the co-operative
  model to ensure that any new public sector mutuals are sustainable enterprises
  based on co-operative values and principles.
• To signpost enquiries to co-operative business
  development advisers in Co-operatives UK’s network of specialists.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said:

"We’re pleased to see that this service has been set up. Setting
up a mutual organisation is a very hopeful but daunting prospect for many public
sector workers, who are going to need high quality information, advice and
support through the whole process.

"The experienced consortium behind this service are
acutely aware that the need for this support has never been higher."