Good Governance
Corporate Governance is a key issue for all types of organisations from large publicly listed companies to small, volunteer based enterprises. Governance is also a key issue for co‑operatives and over the past 10 years Co‑operativesUK has worked hard to promote high standards of corporate governance throughout the movement.
There are many different types of co‑operative structures in existence in the UK these include consumer co‑operatives, worker co‑operatives (and employee-owned businesses), housing co‑operatives and financial co‑operatives ie credit unions. Common to these types of organisations is their adherence to the International Co‑operative Alliance Statement of Co‑operative Identity and the Co‑operative Values and Principles. In practice the governance structures of co‑operatives can be fairly varied. It is for this reason that different codes of governance and principles of governance have been drafted or are currently being drafted for the different co‑operative sectors. This work is really important to Co‑operativesUK and rule 16 of our Rule Book underlines our commitment to promoting high standards of corporate governance throughout the movement:
The Board shall establish a series of codes of best practice on corporate governance and appropriate arrangements for implementing and monitoring pertinent to the different categories of membership.
If you would like to read more about the governance work in these type of organisations please click on the following links: