Expert consultancy for co‑operative and mutual business success

Bespoke advice for public institutions, businesses and co‑operatives 

For over 20 years, Co-operatives UK has been the trusted expert in governance and membership for co-operatives, mutuals, and public institutions. Our bespoke consultancy services help organisations of all sizes – including government and other public bodies - navigate complex structures, strengthen governance, and unlock sustainable growth. 

Tailored Support for Your Needs 

We provide expert guidance across a range of areas, including: 

• Training: Helping teams understand the co-operative model, how to spot co-operative potential and unique benefits of these businesses
• Targeted delivery: Targeted support via our Business Support for Co-ops programme and/or local providers
• Regulation and Mutualisation: Advising government and councils on growth strategies, conversion opportunities and policy development for co-operative and mutual models
• Business Structures and Membership: Creating co-operatives, designing new business structures, and enhancing member engagement
• Governance and Leadership: From Board training to governance reviews, we help organisations improve leadership and accountability
• Facilitation and Strategic Support – Delivering facilitated workshops, executive training, and transformation services 

Trusted by leading organisations 

We work with some of the UK’s most influential co-operatives, mutuals, and institutions, including: 

• Co-op Group – Supporting Group’s Member Council and leadership democracy strategy 
• Building Societies Association (BSA) – Conducting governance reviews and action-planning for better Board performance 
• Lincolnshire Co-operative Society – Empowering Board and executive teams through targeted training 
• Rochdale Boroughwide Housing – Leading governance reform and member strategy development 
• The ICMIF Foundation – Providing full company secretarial and trustee support 
• Heart of England Co-operative Society – Driving governance transformation with embedded company secretarial services 

Influencing policy and driving change

Beyond direct consultancy, we play a pivotal role in shaping the future of co-operatives and mutuals. High-profile projects include: 

• Greater Manchester Combined Authority – Creating co-operatives to support local economic initiatives 
• The Co-operative Bank and Coventry Building Society – Evaluating naming rights and governance structures 
• Ownership Transitions – Advising on confidential client transitions to co-operative and/or mutual models