Worker Co-operative Development Programme

A consortium led by Co-operative & Mutual Solutions has been appointed by CDS to deliver a Worker Co-operative Development programme, which aims to help worker co-operatives grow by supporting and enhancing their knowledge and skills.

The programme will have two main strands:

  • A series of four workshops facilitated by experienced worker co-operators, with a strong element of peer learning and support.
  • Bespoke mentoring by the same group to help embed the learning within your business.

The programme has been developed following a series of interviews with the following worker co-ops, many of whom are expected to participate in the programme: Atomised, City Design, Discovery Packaging & Design, Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op, Equal Exchange, GreenCity Wholefoods, Highland Wholefoods, Media Co-op, and The Graphics Company.

A range of learning techniques will be used in the workshops, including written hand-outs, interactive discussion and practical exercises. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that the participating co-operatives have time to share ideas and provide mutual support.

The learning will be shared at a final event during Co-operative Fortnight at the end of June, to which both the participating co-operatives and a wider audience will be invited.

It is hoped that the programme will help to stimulate an ongoing network among worker co-operatives that is mutually supportive in meeting the challenges of business growth.

Cost of participation

There will be a set fee per business:

  • £250 for co-operatives with a turnover of under £1million (CDS subsidy £2,500)
  • £500 for co-operatives with a turnover greater than £1 million (CDS subsidy £2,250)

This will entitle two members of your co-operative to participate in each workshop (these can be the same or different people according to your needs). Additional members are welcome to attend but – with the exception of Workshop 1 – will be charged £50 per workshop to cover catering, tutor time and teaching materials.

There will be a separate charge for all members attending Workshop 1 to cover the residential element, which will be administered by Co-operation & Mutuality Scotland.

The CDS subsidy is deemed de minimis aid

Workshop 1 - Routes to Growth

5/6 March - Newbattle Abbey College

Workshop 2 - Legal, governance and decision making

26 March - Edinburgh

Workshop 3 - Company culture and value

16 April - Glasgow

Workshop 4 - Financial management,pay and rewards

21 May - Stirling

For full workshop programme please contact Susan Small, Co-operation & Mutuality Scotland - email: susan.small@scotland.coop