New body supports public service co-ops

CO-OPERATIVES UK has launched a support service for communities setting up co-operatives in public services.
The new initiative ? Provide ? was unveiled at the Co-operative Party conference in Newcastle during the Public Sector Services fringe meeting. Part-funded by Co-operative Action it is run by Co-operatives UK&#039s New Ventures Panel.
The support body&#039s remit is to promote awareness of co-operative opportunities for delivery of public services and to assist those looking closely at ideas.
A six-page booklet released at the launch includes case studies of co-operatives in the community that provide public services. It cites seven examples from housing, social care, childcare, health, education, waste management and leisure sectors.
Pauline Green, Chief Executive of Co-operatives UK, told delegates: "The Government&#039s current commitment to our ways is striking. We now have a window of opportunity to see where we go now and to look at how co-operation interacts with local services. This document does that."
Mick Taylor, director of Mutual Advantage, which offers support to new co-ops on behalf of Provide, said: "What we&#039re asking people to do is make co-operative connections in their communities and find holes that co-operation can fill.
"Many people in the Co-operative Movement have interests out of the Movement. They may be a director of a hospital or a school governor. We want them to make sure empowerment is embedded into their organisation&#039s vision, values, and business plan.
"If people let us know about opportunities we will conduct a formal assessment and if necessary facilitate a support team to take ideas forward."
The booklet says that if specific public services are no longer provided by the state co-ops have a role to play in keeping service delivery in the hands of communities.
Ideas of co-operation in public services outlined in Provide&#039s launch document include homecare co-op Shepshed Carers, Loughborough; south London&#039s GP co-op SELDOC; Tower Hamlets recycling co-op; Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op&#039s childcare initiative; and Greenwich Leisure co-op.
Dame Pauline added: "The Co-operative Movement has been one-dimensional with its businesses being put into certain sectors, but now, at last, it is starting to come together.
"It is my ambition that by the time the next opposition government comes into power co-operation will be so embedded into society that it cannot be moved."
Provide offers practical advice, support and a consultancy service with telephone support, face-to-face meetings, workshops, pre-feasibility studies and help in bringing together teams to work with local partners and development staff.
For further information or assistance contact Helen Shaw, Project Administrator at Co-operatives UK, on 0161 246 2941, or e-mail: [email protected]