Training: Co‑op secretary I: The essentials – March 2026

About the training

A co-operative's Secretary is central to ensuring good governance within a co-op.

The most effective secretaries will be trusted advisors to the board. They will deliver essential services to ensure the well-being of their co-op. This applies to the legal operation, administration as well as compliance with corporate governance best practice.

In this training, learn the essentials a successful co-operative secretary needs. From the legal and governance knowledge required, 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

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.

How much does it cost?

• £75 + VAT for members of Co-operatives UK.
• £110 + VAT for non-members. Co-operatives UK members receive 30% off all paid events – plus LOTS more benefits. Learn about Co-operatives UK membership.
• £95 + VAT for individual supporters of Co-operatives UK. Learn more about becoming an Individual Supporter of Co-operatives UK

NOTE: We must receive payment in advance of the training taking place. We have the right to withhold joining instructions and/or the recording unless payment is received in advance of the training course taking place.

Special offer: Booking for Secretary I and Secretary II

We also offer an advanced course Co-op secretary II: Putting learning into practice. Get a discount when booking onto both training courses at the same time: 

Book the Co-op Secretary I and II training package for the discounted price of:

• £240 + VAT (discounted from £270) for members of Co‑operatives UK
• £350 + VAT (discounted from £390) for non‑members
• £310 + VAT (discounted from £345) for Individual Supporters

To book your place on training package, email [email protected] to access the discount.

Maximum places per organisation

Our standard training courses can take a maximum of four people from any one organisation. You will be unable to book on more than four places. 

If you have five or more people interested in one course, we highly recommend our competitively priced bespoke in-house training course. This can be 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 works in our Advice team and is the first point of contact for all governance and legal enquiries. Dane specialises in providing advice and guidance to new start co-operatives and mutuals looking to incorporate and 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.

Payment MUST be received before the training takes place. We reserve the right to withhold joining instructions until payment is received.