Practitioners Forum offers lessons in co-operation

Researchers, professors, retail leaders and journalists are among experts leading panel discussions at the 2016 Practitioners Forum, which gathers nearly 200 delegates in Manchester on 17 November.

Organised by Co-operatives UK, the event facilitates professional training for people in key roles in co-operative businesses of every size. The five specialist forums cover communications, finance, governance, HR and membership, with delegates able to remain in one stream for the whole day or mix and match.

“There is more to working in a co-op than in other organisations,” says Ed Mayo, secretary general of Co-operatives UK.

“Our annual Practitioners Forum provides an opportunity for professionals in co-ops to come together and develop their expertise by learning from experts and each another. With a top quality programme and forums covering the major roles – from finance to communications – it really is a unique event.”

The Communications Forum brings together marketing and communications professionals, and includes a media management masterclass from award-winning journalist and trainer Simon Reynolds, who will cover techniques such as dealing with journalists, generating positive media coverage and preparing spokespeople. Minnie Moll, joint CEO and head of marketing at East of England Co-operative, will lead a session on creating a strong, distinctive regional co-operative brand.

In an evolving world of finance and accounting practices, the Finance Forum will explore new legislation, legal developments and their impacts. Nicola Quayle from KPMG will provide an update on recent regulatory changes and Gillian Lees, head of research and development at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, will look at strategic decision-making. Senior lecturer in accounting, Dr Jack Christian, will look at how to report on environmental impact best practice.

The Governance Forum will help secretaries and those involved in corporate administration through policy updates and analysis. Iain Clacher, associate professor in accounting and finance at Leeds University Business School, will outline actions boards can take to mitigate groupthink and DWF Solicitors LLP will look the legal and governance implications of Brexit. Ashley Harshak from TELOS will lead an interactive session exploring group dynamics and board behaviours, and Co‑operatives UK’s Shelagh Everett and Emma Laycock will examine meaningful accountability.

The HR Forum will focus on fairness in employment in sessions led by leading employment lawyer and trainer, Darren Newman. Mr Newman will explore what it means to be a fair employer, from equal and fair pay to dealing fairly with allegations of bullying and harassment and conducting fair disciplinary meetings.

As strong membership is central to all successful co-operatives, the Membership Forum will look at innovative ideas for increasing membership engagement and participation. Sam Grayston, senior manager for membership engagement at Nationwide Building Society, will discuss engagement and participation techniques inside and outside the co-operative movement, and Mark Robinson-Field, national co-operative and membership manager at the Co-operative Group, will bring his experiences of working with members to develop The Co-op Group’s thinking on member voice.

• To find out more about the event, and to book, visit: www.uk.coop/PF16