Co-operative College expected to become independent next year

The college that specialises in teaching co-operation will become an independent membership organisation next year, the Co-operatives UK AGM heard.

The Co-operative College, currently an unincorporated charity with Co-operatives UK as its sole trustee, is on track to become a single entity next August.

At its AGM last May, Co-operatives UK launched a consultation on the future of the College. One suggestion was that it should become a legal entity on its own, with an autonomous governing body.

“An overwhelming majority of responses were in favour of an independent college,” David Button, Chair of Co-operatives UK, told the 2013 AGM in Cardiff. “There was also a wish that it would be a membership organisation.

“The Co-operatives UK board has been working with the board of governors of the college to achieve this.” In particular, he said, they were working to widen the membership the college would be accountable to.

“We’re looking for a long term solution, not a quick fix,” he added. “There remains significant work to be completed and agreements reached.”

This summer the college governors and Co-operatives UK will hold a joint workshop to continue the process. The aim, Mr Button said, was to develop a detailed programme ahead of transition to a new structure in August 2014.