Co-operative Congress: at a glance

This year’s Co-operative Congress will take place on 17-18 June in Wakefield, where delegates will discuss embracing the co-operative excellence, practicing co-operation among co-operatives and being open to innovation.

As part of the Congress, Co-operative News, in collaboration with Co-operatives UK and the Co-operative College, is hosting a debate on gender parity on 17 June. Panellists will look at equality and support networks as well as women’s priorities. The event will take place at 2.30pm at the Congress venue. For additional information, or to send your ideas, email [email protected] or call 0161 2140870.

In addition, Co-operative News will be holding its Annual General Meeting at 1.30pm on Friday, just before the debate.

Delegates attending the Congress can also take part in Co-operatives UK’s AGM on Friday afternoon, which is open to all its members. The day will continue with a drinks reception at 7pm, followed by the Co-operative of the Year Awards and the official dinner.

The Congress will officially open on Saturday morning with a welcome address and keynote speeches from Michael Simon from the Turner Prize winning Granby Four Streets CLT, and Dame Pauline Green, chair of the Co-operative Development Strategy Expert Reference Panel.

Dame Pauline Green: the modern day pioneer of co-operation

A former president of the International Co-operative Alliance and secretary general of Co-operatives UK, Dame Pauline will introduce the Co-operative Development Strategy. This draft framework aims to enable more people to work together and take control of the things that matter to them, such as their local areas or workplace, supermarket or phone provider.

The conference will continue with a workshop on the strategy. Meeting spaces are also available for congress delegates, who can take part in tech workshops and Co-operatives UK advice surgeries.

Throughout the day, co-operators can participate in co-operative pitches sessions for new and existing co-operatives. Co-operatives UK has been asking co-operators to pitch new ideas and the best ones will be presented at the Congress in front of an audience and panel of judges from Unity Trust Bank, the Phone Co-op and Co-operative and Community Finance. The three organisations will offer financial investment or mentor support to their favourite pitches.

• For more details on the Congress or to register go to uk.coop/congress.