Mutuals can join International Co-operative Alliance

Mutuals are to be allowed membership of the International Co-operative Alliance. Following on from a two-year review from a Mutuals Working Group, it recommended to delegates that mutuals should be allowed full membership. This will only apply to those mutual organisations that operate in conformance with the Co-operative Values and Principles and each application will be examined on a case-by-case basis. The working group said that the encouragement of appropriate mutual organisations within ICA membership would strengthen the representation and solidarity of organisations that adhere to co-operative principles. Jean-Louis Bancel, from the Working Group, said: "It is true that the definition of a mutual can be mistake, I can give you the example of a few corporations that still use the mutual name even though they are not a mutual. I also believe the ICA should do something about it, to protect these organisations." Mr Bancel added: "We believe there should be no contradictions and we should be clear in our legal identities. We believe that mutuals should have that opportunity to join us, on a case by case basis. "The ICA will be able to become a true banner for co-operation that goes well beyond these efforts. Paul Hazen, Chief Executive of NCBA, said: "We've had mutuals in our membership for years. We only accept those that we determine are in-line with Co-operative Principles and Values. It has been very beneficial for us, we have a wide reach across the US because of this."