 Click here for a printer friendly version.
Co‑operation & Mutuality Scotland
A strategic voice for co‑operation and
mutuality in Scotland.
CMS works in partnership with government and others to develop and support new and existing co‑operative and mutual enterprises in Scotland. CMS also provides a forum for the sector.
Latest News from CMS :
November 2009
Co‑operative Housing Commission Reports
The Commission on Co‑operative and Mutual Housing has published its report. Whilst its remit was for england only it did take evidence in Scotland from Co‑operative Housing in Scotland and its recommendations are relevant. Its recommendations are all applicable to Scotland. This is a report which deserves to be considered in detail by co‑operators and everyone interested in promoting good quality housing in Scotland. The Executive Summary and the full Report are available. The Commission also has a website.
November 2009
Comparative Co‑operatives Please find below a link to a Co‑operative Development Scotland (CDS) report entitled ‘A comparative analysis of co‑operative sectors in Scotland, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland’, written by Johnston Birchall. This report was commissioned to increase our knowledge of how co‑operative sectors developed in Scotland and three comparator countries. It enhances our understanding of the opportunities and challenges for developing co‑operatives in Scotland. The findings will inform CDS's future strategy development, and should be useful to everyone interested in the co‑operative sector in Scotland. The report is available in two versions; full report and summary.
November 2009
Car Clubs is there a mutual view?
Transform Scotland and Co‑operative Development Scotland are organising a seminar on 2nd December to look at the issue car clubs and whether there are mutual solutions to car clubs. For more information on Transform Scotland see their website. For details about the seminar click here.
October 2009
Co‑op voice at STUC/ACTS Conference
The STUC and ACTS (Action for Churches Together in Scotland) organised a conference on 6th November in Edinburgh entitled
For everyone born a place at the table:Tackling income inequality in Scotland
CMS Policy and Information Officer Richard McCready led a workshop on 'Alternative models of finance and organisation.'
For details of the event click here.
September 2009
Cross-Party Group on Co‑ops meeting
The Cross Party Group on Co‑operatives in the Scottish Parliament held a meeting on housing on 23rd September. The meeting was well-attended, nine MSPs from 5 different political groups. To read a statement about the meeting click here.
September 2009
Scottish Parliament Banking Inquiry
The Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee is carrying out an inquiry into the Scottish Banking system. CMS responded to this consultation and pointed out that Credit Unions and mutuals could provide a solution to the problems of the bnaking industry. To read our repsonse click here. To find out more about this inuiry click here.
September 2009
Reinventing the Firm
The think-tank Demos along with the John Lewis Partnership has published a pamphlet on Reinventing the Firm, this booklet looks at the relative failure of capitalist firms and looks at whether there should be more examination of the use of co‑operatives, mutuals and employee-owned firms. To read the report click here.
September 2009
Converting failed financial institutions into mutal organisations
The Building Societies Association along with Kellog College at the University of Oxford have published a report on Converting failed financial institutions into mutual organisations. John McFall MP in the foreword to the publication makes the point that 'If ever there was a time for an expanded mutual sector, it's now.' To read this report click here.
August 2009
Festival of Politics Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament hosted the Festival of Politics and the Cross-Party Group on Co‑operatives sponsored a meeting on Scotland: A Co‑operative Past and a Co‑operative Future. This was a very well attended and interesting meeting, which demostrated Scotland's co‑operative heritage pointed to Scotland's co‑operative future. To read a report of the event click here.
August 2009
Festival of Politics Scottish Parliament
Co‑op event
Scotland: A Co‑operative Past and a Co‑operative Future
15.00 (16.00) Committee Room 3 FREE*
Scotland has a long history of co‑operatives, dating back to the Fenwick Weavers or the work of Robert Owen, and still has a vibrant co‑operative sector, ranging from large retailers to rural workers, co‑operatives. This event explores the Scottish co‑operative movement's history and examines the modern-day prospects for co‑operatives, including their potential for offering an alternative economic model in the face of the credit crunch. Chaired by James Kelly MSP. Participants include Lorna Davidson, New Lanark Trust, John Smith, Fenwick Weavers Co‑operative, Robin Stewart, The Co‑operative Group.
In association with the Cross Party Group on Co‑operatives.
Book Scotland: A Co‑operative Past and a Co‑operative Future online
May 2009
Co‑operative Housing Commission Meeting
CMS facilitated a meeting of the Co‑operative Housing Commission. The Commission is seeking to make recommendations to the UK Government but wanted to hear what is happening in Scotland. The Commission will report later this year and should provide an excellent oportunity to promote Housing Co‑operatives. To read a report of the meeting please click here.
May 2009
Social Accounting and Audit
Co‑operative Development Scotland (CDS) and the Social Audit Network (SAN) worked in partnership to implement a pilot initiative which introduced social accounting and audit to six co‑operative and social enterprises in Scotland. A meeting was held in the Scottish Parliament to set out the results of the pilot.
To read a report of the meeting click here.
To read a summary of the pilot scheme click here.
To read a press release on the pilot click here.
May 2009
Co‑operation and Mutuality Scotland Annual Report 2008
Co‑operation and Mutuality Scotland has produced its annual report for 2008. To the read the report and find out what we've been doing please click here.
May 2009
Building the Europe of Tomorrow with Co‑operative Enterprises'
European Parliament Election Memorandum
Cooperatives Europe calls for dialogue and partnership with MEPs to promote the recognition and mainstreaming of the co‑operative business model in EU policies
Read the full Press Release:
or Download the full Memorandum, Building the Europe of Tomorrow with Co‑operative Enterprises'
May 2009
The House of Commons Scottish Affairs Select Committee published a report on Credit Unions in Scotland on 18th May. To read the report click here.
April 2009
Malcolm Wicks MP proposed a Bill in the House of Commons on Co‑operative and Community Benefit Societies and Credit Unions. This Bill received its second reading in the House of Commons on 24th April. To read more about the Bill and check out the debate in Hansard click here.
January 2009
Scotland's Second Annual Enterprise Conference
Scotland's only major conference on business and enterprise is due to take place at the Glasgow Hilton on Monday 9 February.
The event will see a broad range of business people, industry experts and independent voices come together to debate the way forward for Scotland's businesses in the face of the economic uncertainty in the year ahead.
With a wide range of high-profile speakers including Enterprise Minister Jim Mather, Jim Lee of Co‑operation & Mutuality Scotland, Shonaig Macpherson of PSYBT and Antonia Swinson from the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition (SSEC). Delegates will also hear from Dr. Janet Brown of the SQA and a special DVD presentation from Lloyds TSB Scotland Chief Susan Rice.
By attending this conference you will interact with leading industry figures, hear about the crucial role of enterprise in today's Scotland, how we can boost businesses and how Scotland could offset the impact of world-wide recession. See: www.holyrood.com/enterprise
January 2009
President Obama is a co‑operator
President Barack Obama has given a struggling Chicago book store co‑operative a massive boost after being revealed as a regular customer and member. Obama's predecessor George W. Bush was also a member of a co‑operative, an energy co‑op in Texas. Co‑operatives are supported throughout the world, they offer an alternative solution to many of problems faced by the world's economy right now. To read more about the co‑op Obama is a member of click here.
November 2008
New Views of Society
SLRPress has recently published New Views of Society, a collection of essays on co‑operative and community ideas/issues, to mark the 150th anniversary of the death of Robert Owen. The editors are prominent members of the UK Society for Co‑operative Studies and the foreword is by , Chief Executive of Co‑operatives UK. The price is £,9.99(inc P&P) and can be purchased online at www.slrpress.org or by sending a cheque, payable to Left Review Scotland Ltd to Scottish Left Review, 741 Shields Road, Glasgow G41 4PL. Flyer Here
November 2008
Whitcomm Launched in Scottish Parliament
Whitcomm Co‑operative was launched at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Thursday, 13th November, 2008, and aims to reduce digital exclusion that compounds social exclusion. Through Whitcomm low-income families will be able to access the services that the majority of people take for granted. For more details of this important initiative click here.
October 2008
Cross Party Group Approved
The Proposed Cross Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Co‑operation has been approved by the Scottish Parliament's Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee. To read comments from the Co-Conveners of the Cross Party Group; Willie Coffey MSP, Jim Hume MSP, James Kelly MSP and John Scott MSP click here.
October 2008
Debate in the Scottish Parliament on Co‑operative Development Scotland
A members debate in the Scottish Parliament was initiated by Elaine Murray MSP on the first year of operation of Co‑operative Development Scotland. To read the official report click here.
October 2008
International Co‑operative Alliance response to Credit Crunch
The ICA has issued an open letter to the G8 about the Global Credit Crunch. To read the letter click here.
October 2008
Policy and Information officer Richard McCready of CMS has been appointed Secretary to the Proposed Cross Party Group on Co‑operatives. A full press release can be viewed here
September 2008
Co‑operation and Mutuality Scotland made a contribution to the Co‑operativesUK response to the UK Government's consultation on Renewable Energy Strategy. CMS made a contribution to this consultation which highlights the importance of this important policy area. The Scottish context in this is very important. To read this response click here.
September 2008
Co‑operation and Mutuality Scotland responded to the Scottish Government's consultation on the operation of the Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Bill. CMS pointed out that co‑operative and mutual organisations would be excellent vehicles for the promotion of regeneration through the money which will become available if this law comes into force. To read our response click here.
July 2008
2008 AGM - Board Elections
|
Chairperson |
Stephen Kelly |
|
Vice Chairperson |
Margaret Smyth |
|
Secretary |
Jim Lee |
|
Treasurer |
Brian O'Hara |
|
Co‑operatives UK - Representatives |
John Goodman
|
|
Board Member |
Robin Stewart |
|
Board Member |
James Proctor |
|
Board Member |
Rebecca Woodsford |
|
Board Member |
Paul Farrell |
|
Board Member |
Ian Miller |
|
Board Member |
Fleur Gayet |
|
|
|
May 2008
SCVO/ CIVICUS 'Co‑operative Village' 19th and 20th June 2008
Co‑operation and Mutuality Scotland are organising a 'Co‑operative Village' at this year's Gathering organised by SCVO (Scottish Council Voluntary Organisations) and the International body CIVICUS. The event is held annually and this year we are organising a large "Zoned" area to showcase the plethora of co‑operative enterprises in Scotland. 15 Co‑operatives from Scotland will be exhibiting at the 'Co‑operative Village' and there will be many events throughout the two days in the Co‑op Village such as viewings of the Media Co‑ops fascinating films and a Smoothie Cycle amongst many other interactive activities.
CMS has received financial support of Scottish Co‑operative Group and Co‑operative Development Scotland, in paying for the 'Co‑operative Village'.
This exhibition is FREE to all and there is a free bus leaving from Glasgow city centre throughout the day to the SECC.
For more details of the CIVICUS gathering visit www.civicusassembly.org
May 2008
Scottish Labour Party Fringe Meeting
Credit Unions - Supporting Financial Inclusion
CMS and ABCUL joined forces to sponsor a fringe meeting at the Scottish Labour Party Conference in Aviemore in March 2008, entitled Credit Unions - Supporting Financial Inclusion. The speakers were Bill Butler MSP, Marlene Shiels and Rev Graham Blount. To read a report of the meeting please click here.
May 2008
Worker Co‑op Event
CMS held a Worker Co‑operative event on 14th March 2008. A wide range of topics were covered and there was a belief that the sector would benefit from further meetings. To read a report of the event please click here.
If you attended this event please take the time to fill in feedback form here. Thank you.
April 2008
The Scottish Government held a consultation on food policy. The co‑operative sector has a great deal to offer in this debate. CMS responded highlighting the contribution of co‑ops across the country to the production of food and to food retailing. To read our response click here.
April 2008
The Scottish Government has spoken of creating a mutual health service. It consulted on proposals to make the Health Service more representative and repsonsive to local people. CMS responded by pointing out that a co‑operative model would achieve these objectives. To read our response click here.
April 2008
The Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs and Environment Committee is conducting an inquiry into rural housing. CMS responded to this inquiry highlighting the important contribution which co‑operative housing models could make to rural housing solutions. To read our response click here.
January 2008
CMS responded to the Scottish Government's consultation on Housing policy. In our response CMS promoted Co‑operative Housing options. To read the response click here.
December 2007
CMS has appointed a new Policy and Information Officer Richard McCready to work alongside Development Officer Susan Small.
July 2006
The Future of Scotland's Co‑operative Sector conference presentations from Ian Hughes of CDS Isabella Miller of John Lewis Partnership and Catherine Charnock of the Co‑operative Group can be found in the Publications section of the CMS website.
June 2006
CMS Conference and Annual General Meeting :
CMS hosted a Conference entitled 'The Future of Scotland's Co‑operative Sector' on the 15th June 2006 at the Thistle Hotel in Glasgow followed by the AGM later that day.
AGM - Board Elections
|
Chairperson |
Stephen Kelly |
|
Vice Chairperson |
Margaret Smyth |
|
Secretary |
Jim Lee |
|
Treasurer |
Chris Mallon |
|
Co‑operatives UK - Representative |
Sundeep Grewal |
|
Board Member |
Jeanette Timmins |
|
Board Member |
Sandra Williamson |
|
Board Member |
Rebecca Woodsford |
|
Board Member |
Brian O'Hara |
|
Board Member |
Paul Farrell |
|
Board Member |
Ian Miller |
|
Board Member |
Fleur Gayet |
June 2006
CMS appoints new part-time Development Co-ordinator Susan Small. Susan has a background in Housing Co‑operatives and represented CHIS on the CMS board before taking up the post.
May 2006
The summer edition of CMS News produced and can be viewed in pdf format
On-line listing of co‑operatives:
www.uk.coop
A comprehensive online listing of co‑operatives from all across the UK has recently been launched. It provides a single point of access to contact details for over 2,500 co‑operative organisations.
Additional listing are being added all the time.
The search facilities will allow you to quickly find a co‑operative business in a given location or trade sector.
|
