Training: Co‑op secretary I: The essentials – July 2025

About the training

A co‑operative’s Secretary is central to ensuring good governance within a co‑op.

The most effective secretaries are trusted advisors to the board – and they deliver essential services to ensure the well-being of their co‑op. This applies to its legal operation and administration, as well as compliance with corporate governance best practice.

In this training, you’ll learn the essentials a successful co‑operative secretary needs – from the required legal and governance knowledge to the ‘softer’ skills needed to support and build relationships with the board of directors.

Format

• This training course will take place online for 2.5 hours
• A presentation will be delivered, followed by a Q&A session
• A break will be incorporated within the training course

How much does it cost?

• £70 + VAT for members of Co‑operatives UK
• £100 + VAT for non‑members. Co‑operatives UK members receive 30% off all paid events – plus LOTS more benefits. Learn about Co-operatives UK membership

What attendees will learn

Learn the skills and qualities required for a co‑op secretary – and how a secretary can carry out their role effectively. This includes:

• The legal duties and responsibilities of a secretary
• The practical application of these duties
• Statutory reporting and paperwork requirements
• Understanding best practice for co‑op secretaries

Who should attend

• Those new to the co‑op secretary role as it deals with the main legal and best practice responsibilities associated with the role
• Existing secretaries wanting a refresher and an update on any key changes

Interested in attending Secretary I and Secretary II

• Get a discount when booking onto both training courses at the same time
• Email [email protected] to make your bookings and gain the discount
• £220 + VAT (discounted from £250) for members of Co‑operatives UK
• £330 + VAT (discounted from £360) for non-members. Co‑operatives UK members receive 30% off all paid events – plus LOTS more benefits. Learn about Co‑operatives UK membership
• Find out more about Co‑op secretary II: Putting your learning into practice

Group bookings: For five or more people from one organisation

Our standard training courses can take a maximum of four people from any one organisation. If you have five or more people interested in one course, we:

• Highly recommend a bespoke in-house training course
• Can tailor the course content to suit the needs of your organisation’s size and model

Please get in touch with our Advice Team at [email protected] to get a quote and date availability from our trainers.

About the trainer

Dane Pollard works in our Advice Team and is the first point of contact for all governance and legal enquiries. He specialises in providing advice and guidance to new start co‑operatives and mutuals looking to incorporate, and he supports all types of co‑ops with their governance arrangements, processes and policies.

Dane also acts as account manager to members that have set up in the last two years and provides guidance to them on all aspects of their governance calendar. He has many years of experience dealing with customers in the retail sector, as well as clients in the corporate world.

Recording the training

This training course will be recorded and shared with training participants afterwards. The recording will be available for one month after the training date. If you are unable to attend on the stated date, you can still book on to receive the recording link.

Cancellations policy

Any cancellations made within 28 days are subject to full payment with no refund. Name swaps and deferrals can be made free of charge until the day of the event. Please contact us via [email protected] to discuss.