Co-op Congress: Full programme

Refreshments and networking in the Exhibitors Zone

Belmont Suite

Welcome to Co-op Congress

Affinity Two

Co-operatives and the future of work

Affinity Two

Hosted by Amber Sandhu (Radio & TV Broadcaster). With Jim Islam (CEO, OneFamily), Rose Marley (CEO, Co-operatives UK), Fatima Ishaq (Youth Advisory Group, Co-operatives UK & Student Social Worker) and Louis Burnay (Youth Ambassador, Co-operatives UK).

As youth unemployment and NEET levels rise, technology reshapes jobs and skills gaps widen, urgent questions are emerging. What kind of work will exist in the next decade, and how can young people be embraced rather than left behind? This session brings together perspectives from large employers, small and community-led co-ops and young people themselves to explore how values-led organisations can create accessible pathways, adapt to change and offer meaningful participation. Co-operatives have a vital role to play, both today and for the young people who will become the future of the movement.

Social care co-operatives in the UK: Recommendations for national and local decision-makers

Breakout room

Tabitha Hamilton (Local Policy Analyst, Co-operatives UK), Dr Serena Vicario (Research Associate, University of Kent) and Will Rees (Communications Manager, Cartrefi Cymru Co-operative).

A session on social care co-operatives in the UK and how their growth can be supported. We'll explore the recommendations published in new research Social Care Co-operatives in the UK, commissioned by Co-operatives UK and Cwmpas and published by the Centre for Care. This is a chance to hear from those in the sector and participate in discussion about how an environment which supports growth for social care co-operatives can be built.

Refreshments and networking in the Exhibitors Zone

Belmont Suite

The Local Power Plan and the opportunity for co-operatives

Affinity Two

Hosted by Maeve Campbell (Independent Climate Journalist). With Fraser Stewart (Head of Local Energy Strategy, Great British Energy), Dr Matthew Vickers (CEO, Community Energy England), Nadia Smith (Director, Community Energy London), Vicky Dunn (Managing Director, Grimsby Community Energy), Scott Erwin (Business Development manager for Greencity Wholefoods) and Gareth Dowling (Local Government Officer, Co-operative Party).

The Government’s Local Power Plan sets out an ambitious vision with £1bn to support more than 1,000 local energy projects by 2030 and a goal for every community to have the opportunity to own energy assets. This session will explores the exciting opportunities this poses for co-operatives. It opens with a keynote from Fraser Stewart, Head of Local Energy Strategy at Great British Energy, setting the national direction. Delegates will also hear from community energy co-operatives already leading the way, alongside perspectives on how co-operatives in other sectors can seize the opportunities this agenda creates and access support.

How the political climate has shifted since the May elections: Why a co-operative approach to local government is more relevant than ever

Meeting Room 4

Hosted by Cllr Paul Cassidy (Interim Chair, Co-operative Councils' Innovation Network (CCIN)) and Pete Vallance, (Membership & Strategy Lead, CCIN).

Join Cllr Paul Cassidy and Pete Vallance as they take participants through the role of the Co-operative Councils' Innovation Network and support to Policy Projects, the importance of cooperative placemaking and community wealth building and shine a spotlight on the CCIN Local Government Reorganisation toolkit for councillors going through LGR. 

Lunch and networking in the Exhibitors Zone

Belmont Suite

Communities shaping high streets and places

Affinity Two

Hosted by Rose Marley (CEO, Co-operatives UK). Featuring Chris Hill (Co-Founder, The Arcade Group Dewsbury), Lenny Watson (Co-Founder, Sister Midnight), Will Rees (Communications Manager, Cartrefi Cymru Co-operative), Alice Hemming (Co-operative Development Worker, Co-operative Futures, and Board Member, Co-operatives UK) and Sean Farmelo (Director and Co-Founder, Stirchley Co-operative Development).

The Government’s Pride in Place programme aims to build stronger communities, create thriving places and empower local people, with community ownership at its heart. This session explores what that means in practice for co-operatives, alongside wider opportunities emerging from the agenda, including the creation of a Co-operative Development Unit. Delegates will hear real examples of co-operatives already leading the way, using democratic engagement to bring people together, revitalise local spaces and deliver lasting impact. From high streets to community hubs, the session will show what is possible, what can be replicated elsewhere and how co-operatives can shape places that work for everyone.

Private roundtable: Co-operatives and food security (invitation only)

Breakout room

Chaired by Ian Adderley (Society Secretary, OurCoop).

Co-operatives UK is bringing together agricultural co‑operatives, retail co-operatives and others involved in UK food chain to discuss the role co-operation can play in strengthening UK food security, with a view to informing government policy. This session is invite only. Contact [email protected] for more details.

Refreshments in the Exhibitors Zone (short break)

Belmont Suite

Co-operation amongst co-operatives: Unlocking opportunity through unity

Affinity Two

Hosted by Emma Laycock (Member Services Lead & Head of Co‑operative Advice, Co-operatives UK). With Ania Vercellotti (Managing Director, Bright Renewables), Graham Mitchell (Solidfund), Oliver Drury (Community and Corporate Engagement Officer, East of England Co-op), Tim Coomer (Business Development Manager, Co-op & Community Finance) and Levent Kerimol (Executive Director, Collective Ownership Society and Community Led Homes Director at CDS Co-operatives).

Principle Six is one of the co-operative movement’s greatest strengths, and continues to be one of its biggest opportunities. This session will celebrate inspiring examples of co-operation amongst co-operatives, from sector-specific networks and buying groups to UK and international partnerships that strengthen businesses, build resilience and grow the wider movement. We’ll explore how collaboration can support sustainability, unlock new opportunities and continue to demonstrate our unique co-operative difference. Featuring inspiring examples, this session will also put Principle Six into practice, helping delegates consider how they can connect with or build networks, accelerate learning and create a shared sense of unity across the co-operative economy.

Putting co-operatives at the core of the Local Power Plan: A workshop

Breakout Room

Hosted by John Dawson (Head of Market Development, Co-operatives UK) and Tom Laing (Policy Officer, Co-operatives UK). With Scott Erwin (Greencity Wholefoods), Shaz Rahman (Community Energy Birmingham and Birmingham Friends of the Earth) and Petra Morris (Co-operative Development Manager, Co-operatives UK).

Further to the main room session earlier in the day, this workshop will explore how our sector works to put co-operatives at the core of the government's Local Power Plan. 

Close of Co-op Congress 2026

Affinity Two

Optional networking drink

Foyer