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What makes a co‑operative approach so special?
Co‑operatives follow the seven key principles of the International Co‑operative Alliance.
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic control
- Member economic participation (financial interest)
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training and information
- Co‑operation amongst co‑operatives
- Concern for the community
Voluntary & open membership
Membership of co‑operatives is open, without discrimination to anyone willing to take on the responsibilities of the role. Dependent on the type of co‑operative you choose this may mean it is open to all parents, or employees.
Democratic member control
It is the parent/worker who set up policies and make decisions, one member - one vote.
Member economic participation
Profits are democratically controlled. They can be re-invested back into the business, invested in the community as a donation, or paid to the members as a bonus.
Autonomy and independence
When a co‑operative enters into an agreement with another organisation it does so on terms of democratic control and maintains its co‑operative autonomy.
Education, training and information
Co‑operatives provide these for their members, to promote the development of the co‑operative and raise awareness of the co‑operative model and mutual benefits.
Co‑operation among co‑operatives
Co‑operatives are dedicated to strengthening the co‑operative movement by working together and supporting other co‑operatives. Co‑operativesUK holds a database of all co‑operatives at www.uk.coop so you can learn from and work with similar co‑operatives.
Concern for community
Co‑operatives work for sustainable development of their community through policies approved by their members.
You can download a copy of our 2005 research report, 'Co‑operative social enterprise and its potential in public service delivery' (by ippr) by clicking here or visiting our downloads page.
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