Practitioners Forum 2016

The 2016 Practitioners Forum, organised by Co-operatives UK, took place on 17 November in Manchester, and offered professional training for people operating in key roles in co-operative businesses...

practitioners forum 2016 logoThe 2016 Practitioners Forum, organised by Co-operatives UK, took place on 17 November in Manchester, and offered professional training for people operating in key roles in co-operative businesses large and small.

The one-day conference includes five specialist forums – communications, governance, HR, membership and finance – giving delegates an opportunity to learn from experts and network with peers.

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

  • What are the legal implications of Brexit for co-ops?

    The UK government intends to trigger Article 50 to leave the EU by March 2017 – and , while Brexit is pending Parliamentary approval, co-ops are beginning to explore its impact on their businesses. Colin Murray, partner at DWF Solicitors, tried to answer some of the questions around the implications of Brexit for co-ops in a session at the Practitioners Forum in Manchester. Mr Murray ...

    Read more...

  • How can co-ops explain to members what 'having a say' means?

    Experts in member engagement told delegates at the Practitioners Forum in Manchester that co-ops should listen to members’ views and develop products that keep their needs in mind. Engaging with membership is crucial to advancing a co-op’s growth – so how should they work with members to create what they value?   Having a say Senior manager for member engagement at ...

    Read more...

  • How co-ops can be fair employers and avoid unfair dismissal claims

    Co-operative human resources professionals disagreed with an employment lawyer on whether to fire an employee who failed to turn up to their disciplinary hearing, saying they would give them another chance. Industry leaders argued they wouldn’t dismiss someone until they learn the reason for their absence during an employment law session at the Practitioners Forum in Manchester. Darren ...

    Read more...

  • Five tips for building a successful co-operative brand

    In a competitive market where other retailers are constantly reframing co-ops, asserting the co-operative difference can be a challenge. During a session at the Practitioners Forum in Manchester, Minnie Moll, joint chief executive of the East of England Co-operative, shared best practices from the society. Ms Moll focuses on engaging members and customers and developing the ...

    Read more...

  • 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, ...

    Read more...