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Hi Sean, hope I haven't upset anyone by working out and explaining the wages on offer here... it's a job I would love to do but could not afford to do at the rate offered. I know co-ops can be low paid... but don't think this is a situation we should accept as 'normal', especially during the current economic crisis. If we want co-ops to succeed, which I very much do, I believe we have to work out ways of making jobs in the sector as well remunerated as 'mainstream' jobs... if we possibly can.

Without meaning to be salty, there are many co-ops who are in low paid industries. To me saying what amounts to far higher than a living wage is a 'pittance' is both an unrealistic account of today's economy and not a particularly nice way of wording things.

they look like great jobs - with pittance for pay:

If you earn £35,000 a year, then after your taxes and national insurance you will take home £27,542 a year, or £2,295 per month as a net salary. Based on a 40 hours work-week, your hourly rate will be £16.83 (PRE tax) with your £35,000 salary.

i.e if you take either of these jobs you will be taking home £13.25/hour - that not much more than stacking shelves in Tesco :( (ref: https://www.income-tax.co.uk/calculator/35000/ )

how can we break this cycle and make good jobs well paid!?!?!>?

The wonderful HEET are recruiting. Work for a community owned energy efficiency advice service in North East London. They are recruiting Home Energy Advisors & Customer Service advisor https://www.theheetproject.org.uk/about-heet/jobs.html

Ways Forward Conference is back with WF22!

🎉SAVE THE DATE: 20-21 OCTOBER 2022 (Thurs/Fri)🎉

 General theme: CO-OPERATING AND CLIMATE JUSTICE in a Climate & Ecological Emergency (CEE)

👌 Cooperative Intelligence Survey: 👌 If you have time we would love a few minutes of your time to answer 2 quick questions on narrowing WF22 Title Options and Conference themes

https://forms.gle/dS8HSqPPnVTN5chQ9

I don't know anything about Civic Voice or local Civic Societies/Trusts. Could be an ally.

Hi does anyone know the relationship between Cooperative Development Organisations and Civic Societies? The latter are looking to get very involved in the Levelling Up legislative agenda (with the Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill just recently published) and wondering how closely they work with Coops/local Economic Development organisations?

There is a webinar they are doing in 2 days to introduce their ideas, anyone here going to join?

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/levelling-up-what-is-it-will-it-work-what-does-it-mean-for-you-tickets-310515248467

I'm part of the international Sociocracy for All's Co-op Circle and we are very excited to announce SoFA’s second annual Sociocracy in Cooperatives international conference. Building on the success of last year, we look forward to welcoming you to an interactive programme of inspiring workshops. 

This year we’ll be exploring implementations in worker and multi-stakeholder co-ops, reviewing the progress made in aligning sociocracy with UK cooperative legal structures, and making space to co-design a new community of practice for co-operators implementing sociocracy in their co-ops .

Our overarching theme is Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

This conference is for everyone enthusiastic about co-ops and/or sociocracy. Please join us for an accessible introduction to, and interactive exploration of, the current and future theory and practice of sociocratic governance in cooperatives.

Book here: https://www.sociocracyforall.org/sociocracy-in-cooperatives-conference-2022/

Hi All just a little reminder that our Trustee Recruitment deadline for nominations/ applications closes Noon Monday 9th May 2022 - for more information please follow the link and request a nomination/application form from [email protected] . Thanks!

https://coopfinance.coop/2022/03/23/trustee-recruitment-help-grow-the-new-era-of-co-op-and-community-businesses/

We are recruiting new co-operator trustees: We need you to help grow the new era of co-op and community businesses as we move to our 50th year in 2023 and beyond.

What we do:

ICOF Ltd trading as Co-operative and Community Finance or CCF is the Lender for Social Purpose, lending to ethical businesses since 1973. We offer fair, supportive, and tailored loan finance to meet the needs of a range of co-operatives, social enterprises, and community businesses, across the UK, that are democratically owned controlled by their members. We also provide project and loan management support and consultancy across the social investment sector.

What skills and experience we are looking for:

Post Covid-19 and approaching our 50th Anniversary in 2023 we will be moving into an exciting new phase for the organisation and are looking for both experienced Trustees and individuals looking for their first role, to join us on our journey.

We are looking for new Trustees that have energy and skills and experience across from the co-operative, social economy and community business sectors. Individuals with enterprise, small business or co-op practitioner/ adviser experience would be particularly welcome, as well as individuals with expertise in accountancy and finance, to help us fill skills gaps on our existing board. We will consider members* and anyone with a particular interest in Co-ops, Employee Ownership, Community Wealth Building, Community Business and individuals keen to help us build a fairer future in local communities.

As well as nonspecific Trustee/ Director roles we are also looking for individuals who would be interested in potentially becoming a future Treasurer or Chairperson. And would also very much like to hear from women and individuals of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic heritage to help us further improve the equality and diversity of our board.

What is the commitment?

The board meets five times a year, during the day: this comprises four standard meetings plus an AGM. We typically also hold an in person two-day business planning/ strategy session. Trustees that have specific roles such a Chairperson or Treasurer will have extra responsibilities and will also be required to attend occasional subcommittee meetings.   

This is an unpaid role but all reasonable travel and out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed and it looks great on your CV! 

To find out more:

Please visit https://coopfinance.coop/2022/03/23/trustee-recruitment-help-grow-the-new-era-of-co-op-and-community-businesses/ where you will find our Trustee Recruitment Pack containing more information about us and about the role.

We are happy to arrange informal one-to-one chats or have arranged a drop-in chat, via Zoom, where staff Tim or Alain will be available to chat through any questions or queries about the role. Contact us for a link.

Drop-in Chats:

Thursday 7th April 2022 @ 2:00pm

Tuesday 3rd May 2022 @ 11:00am

Please also connect with us on Twitter @coop_finance and Facebook @CoopCommFinance

To request a nomination/ application form please contact [email protected] directly. We will require you to complete a short application/ nomination form*, provide us with an up-to-date CV, and attend an online interview if shortlisted.  We are also happy to accept video applications addressing the same application questions, if that’s easier for you, but please be advised that videos will be shared widely with ICOF members, if you are successful at interview.  

Application deadline is Noon Monday 9th May 2022 (we will contact you asap to tell you if you have been selected for interview)

Short interviews will take place via Zoom week commencing 16th May 2022

Thank-you so much for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you.

* Members and Nominations

ICOF Ltd and its associated businesses have open membership and nomination enshrined in their legal make-up and any member can nominate themselves, or others, to be considered for board appointment at the AGM. This year, the board, in order to proactively address skills gaps and improve board diversity, are introducing a shortlisting and interview process and widening the search for new board members. Any existing member can of course still apply or nominate individuals, but we ask they do so through the process set out in the information above and in the Trustee Recruitment Pack available. Please contact us if you have any questions.