How was the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives for you and your organisation?
For the Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network, 2025 has been a year when the co-operative story didn’t just grow — it matured. The International Year of Cooperatives has coincided with a moment when co-operative values are shaping national policy in a way we haven’t seen for a generation. With long-standing CCIN advocates – Jim McMahon MP, Baroness Sharon Taylor and Steve Reed MP – now in government, the principles our members champion locally are informing the national picture. That shift has energised our councils and strengthened the sense of shared purpose across the Network.
Our members have stepped into leadership with confidence, demonstrating that co-operative approaches aren’t just ethical – they resonate with communities and win trust at the ballot box. We’ve continued to welcome new councils, expand our policy labs and develop practical tools that help local authorities deliver community wealth building, democratic participation and fair, people-centred public services.
A major achievement this year has been the publication of our Social Value Toolkit, which is already helping councils rethink how procurement and commissioning can drive social, environmental and economic benefit. Alongside this, we are progressing our internal governance and staffing reforms to ensure CCIN is equipped for the future.
This year has also marked a significant moment for us personally and professionally. Nicola Huckerby, our long-serving CEO, will be stepping back after more than a decade at the heart of the network. Nicola has been the steady, generous and determined force behind CCIN’s growth into the fastest-growing cross-party network in local government. Her humour, wisdom and relentless commitment have shaped the identity of the organisation and the confidence of its members. Nicola leaves an extraordinary legacy that will continue to guide us.
What are your hopes for 2026?
Looking ahead, 2026 is about turning momentum into long-term impact. With a national commitment to doubling the size of the co-operative and mutual sector, we want CCIN to play a central role in helping councils turn policy ambition into practical reality.
Our focus is clear: deepen member support, expand our policy labs, embed social value as everyday practice and complete our organisational reforms. Above all, we aim to keep showing that when councils, communities and citizens work co-operatively, they create change
that lasts.
