Governance support for co-operatives

Co-operatives UK provides expert governance support for co-operatives of all sizes and sectors, including governance reviews, board effectiveness support, governing document reviews, governance training and bespoke consultancy. Our advice team understands the legal, democratic and practical realities of running a co-operative.

This works because it names both the benefits and the services. It also connects to the wider governance advice page, which says good governance helps the governing body create and maintain a strong, sustainable business that meets member needs and is robust enough to embrace change.

Why is good governance crucial for the success of your co‑operative or community business? 

Quite simply, without it, you have no foundation upon which to build a strong, sustainable and resilient organisation. Good governance builds trust, ensures democratic member control, drives effective decision-making, manages risk, ensures legal compliance – and guarantees the business stays true to its purpose and values. 

So if you want a strong, successful co-operative or community business, you’re in the right place. We provide a comprehensive range of expert services, products and resources to help you build and maintain the solid governance foundations required for success.  

Governance services and consultancy 

• Contact Package: Flexible, excellent‑value high‑quality expert governance, HR and finance support at the end of the phone for our members. Up to 10 contacts per year for £300+VAT.
• Governance training: Power your people for governance success. Our director, secretary, chair and risk training skills up those at the heart of your governance.
• Governance Wheel Review: Gain confidence that your co-op is operating effectively, through our expert assessment of your governance. Ideal for smaller and growing co-ops.
• Governing Document Review: Ensure your governing document remains relevant, compliant and the living, breathing bedrock of all your activity with this expert review service.
• Governance Code Review: A comprehensive, expert review of your co-operative’s corporate governance to strengthen the foundations that are crucial for success.
• Board Effectiveness Review: An effective board is crucial to your organisation’s longevity and success. Our expert review of your society’s Board empowers you to make it the best it can be.
• Charity tax exemption applications: Charitable community benefit societies can apply to HMRC for tax exemption – and our experts can handle the application on your behalf.
• Bespoke consultancy and workshop facilitation: We deliver tailored consultancy and workshops when your organisation is facing challenges and changes requiring support that’s unique to you. Email us at [email protected] to discuss your needs. 

Find out more on our Governance advice and support pages. We also offer director and sub committee appraisals, and risk consultancy – email [email protected] for details. 

Why use Co‑operatives UK’s governance support services?

• Co‑operative expertise: Our advice team has supported co‑operatives with their governance, HR and membership for more than 20 years. We have developed an in‑depth understanding of how to support you in meeting the unique challenges and opportunities of this sector.
• High‑quality service: We are owned by our members, meaning that all generated income is put back into providing market leading services for members.
• Value for money: We work with co‑operatives large and small, from a range of sectors and complexities, providing high‑quality, excellent‑value services and resources.

Governance resources

We offer a wealth of resources to support you in building and maintaining excellent governance for a successful, sustainable and thriving co-operative business. These include: 

• What is good governance? A comprehensive guide to good governance, covering all the essentials and the co-operative difference: serving the needs of members.
• Co-operative Corporate Governance Code: A useful tool that focuses on best practice around democracy and the quality of leadership that emerges through good governance.
• From Conflict to Co-operation: This guide from People Support Co-op offers resolution approaches to conflict in co-operatives at every level, including board and governance.
• Directors Toolkit: A comprehensive range of member-only resources including board and director roles and responsibilities, codes of conduct, checklists and document templates.
• Guide for company secretary: For co‑operatives registered under the Companies Act 2006.
• Guide for co-operative society secretary: For co‑operatives registered under the Co‑operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.

See more governance resources here.