Member groups
We ensure that members influence our work. As well as our elected board of directors we run formal and informal member groups.
Formal member groups
These groups have agreed terms of reference, elections and their meetings are minuted.
The Co-operative Governance Expert Reference Panel is an independent and authoritative voice in the co-op sector for best practice in governance.
The HR Forum is made up of members who subscribe to our HR package. Led by our team of co-operative HR experts, the group meets regularly to discuss and share best practice in HR.
The Co-operative Performance Committee is an advisory panel of experts in the field of co-operative accounting practice and performance. It identifies and provide guidance on important strategic issues for the co-operative sector.
The Co-operative Development Forum enables organisations that provide business support co-operatives and mutuals to share best practice on co-operative development, as well providing guidance on upcoming issues.
The Co-operative and Community Capital Committee enables members and stakeholders to shape areas of best practice for the UK co-operative movement in the field of member capital, including:
• withdrawable share capital in co-operatives and community benefit societies
• the Community Shares Standard Mark
• the Community Shares Handbook
• the Code of Practice on Withdrawable Share Capital and associated guidance
The Consumer Council enables directors and appointed representatives of our large retail societies to network and discuss matters of common interest, exchange information and ideas, and provide an opportunity for consultation with Co-operatives UK on all matters common to retail consumer co-operatives.
The Youth Advisory Group functions to shape the work of Co-operatives UK to ensure it aligns with the needs of young people, as well as championing youth voice and advocating for meaningful participation within the co-operative movement.
Informal member groups
Groups of members get together to share ideas, learn from each other and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The Retail Society Secretaries Network is attended by the society secretaries of our large retail societies and provides an opportunity for secretaries to keep on top of best practice in governance.
The Retail Cybersecurity Alliance is an informal network facilitated by Co-operatives UK in partnership with Longwall Security. The purpose of the group is to:
- Act as a focal point for retail consumer co-operatives to discuss issues of cybersecurity
- Meet together to build relationships, network and discuss matters of common interest
- Provide opportunities for education, insights and learning from each other
- Exchange information and ideas on best practice, and provide an opportunity for consultation with Co-operatives UK on all cybersecurity matters
The group will also explore ways to support Co-operatives UK's wider membership around cybersecurity now and in the future.
If you want to know more about our member groups, or to discuss forming a member group, please email our Membership team at [email protected].
