Worker Co‑operative Code of Governance
The guide to running a successful co‑operative business.
In the Basque country, the Mondragon worker co‑operatives forms the 7th largest business group in Spain.
In Emilia Romagna in Italy, networking by the thousands of small producer co‑operatives has produced a regional economy which is the 10th richest in Europe.
In the UK we have around 400 independent worker co‑operatives operating in a wide range of industries and employing approximately 2,000 workers. Why has the worker co‑operative movement here not developed like the example above? Could it be that we have not yet learned how to properly manage this radical type of business?
Let us use this Code of Governance as our common guide, helping and supporting each other as co‑operators to create our own worker co‑operative success story.
Introduction
The Code of Governance provides a framework for you to follow and is supported by examples, literature, contacts and case studies. Exactly how you put the co‑operative principles into practice (democratically, of course) is up to you. We are confident you will rapidly see the benefits.
Yours in co‑operation,
Tim Gausden (On the Eighth Day), Ruth Chapple (Cycle Training UK), Bob Cannell (Suma), Siobhan Mcloughlin, Helen Barber, John Butler, Giles Simon (Co‑operatives UK)
Worker Co‑operative Code of Governance Working Party 2006 - 2008
German Translation (coming soon)
If you would like 10 or more copies of the The Code for your members, they can be purchased for 75p each. please contact john.atherton@cooperatives-uk.coop for more information.