Executive Masterclass Programme for Leading Co-operatives

What does the programme entail?

10 in‑depth Executive Masterclasses on key aspects of leading a successful co‑operative business, today and in the future.

• The second cohort will run from January to October 2027
• Masterclasses will mainly run monthly – a mixture of in‑person and online sessions, each lasting around three hours
• Delivered by Co‑operatives UK experts and external speakers
• Digital access to Masterclass materials for 12 months

The programme is designed so delegates can also build new relationships, share knowledge and engage in ongoing conversations.

The Masterclasses

1. The feeling is mutual (in person, January)

This Masterclass will explain the similarities and the differences, explore different types and legal forms and provide case study examples from well‑known household names for illustration.

2. How to co-operate (in person, January)

You will come away from this Masterclass understanding how to:

• Foster a collaborative culture
• Encourage open communication
• Break down silos
• Learn techniques to co-operate

3. Our people are good for co-operative business (February)

You will look at applying a co-operative lens to people policies and HR decision-making. How do we ensure we are making business decisions that are the right ethical decisions for our people?

4. Every co-operative tells a story (March)

This Masterclass blends movement insights with storytelling expertise to help co-operatives resonate in the modern world.

From addressing inequality and promoting sustainability to challenging corporate monopolies and empowering marginalised communities, co-operatives are proving their relevance in the 21st century.

5. It’s nothing to do with me, Gov! (April)

Within this Masterclass you will give you a basic understanding of the politics of co-operatives in the UK, present and past. Gain insight into the co-operative policy environment, to help you respond to your members, and to the distinctive opportunities, constraints and risks faced by your business.

We will also cover how co-operatives work together to address challenges and maximise opportunities in the policy space.

6. Co-operative sustainability and impact (May)

Balancing social impact with financial sustainability requires clarity, a practical approach, and strong leadership. This interactive Masterclass explores the importance of measuring and communicating our impact.

7. The role of the board in your co‑operative (June)

In this Masterclass you will understand the composition of your board and how its role may impact dynamics and priorities. You'll discuss what a high performing board focuses its time on and how you can have a key role in ensuring the board is effective.

8. Co‑ops and the tech revolution (July)

This Masterclass looks at how co-operatives can lead ethically in a digital world – from platform co-ops to data ownership and tech-enabled democratic participation.

You will explore the opportunities available with the new and innovative tools and platforms available and how we can overlay a co-operative and ethical lens.

9. Commercial power of the co-operative difference (in person, September)

Within this Masterclass you will explore how leading organisations use their values, membership and identity to build stronger brands, deepen customer loyalty and drive sustainable growth. Through practical examples and discussion, you'll consider how the co-operative difference can become a genuine competitive advantage.

10. International co‑operation (in person, October)

This Masterclass provides an overview of international co-operation, global governance, and how UK co-operatives can engage with and learn from their peers. Hear from Co-operatives UK CEO and ICA board director, Rose Marley, on the global picture. And Co-operatives UK Society Secretary, Claire Dalton, will provide an overview of the various European bodies across the ICA and the role of Co-operatives UK in working with them.

Graduation event

A reflective and celebratory conclusion to the programme. The date and location are still to be confirmed.

Book your place

There are two options for booking onto the Executive Masterclass programme:

Option 1: The total price for 10 Masterclasses is £1,800 plus VAT.

Access to all 10 Masterclasses, online platform to access resources and an in-person graduation.  

Option 2: Pick and mix is £800 plus VAT.

Select three of the above modules.