1. CICs & Co-operative Values and Principles

2. Who we are and what we do: Co-operatives UK is owned by the co-operative organisations it supports from across the UK, working together to put co- operative enterprise at the very heart of modern society and the economy. Co-operatives UK works to promote, develop and unite co- operative enterprises. It has a unique role as a trade association for co-operatives and its campaigns for co- operation, such as Co-operatives Fortnight, bring together all those with a passion and interest in co-operative action.

3. Fact or Fiction

4. What is a co-operative? Significance in 19 th Century Based on the values of self-help, self responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. Guided by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) V&Ps Members as owners Different types of co-operative Rely on the content of the governing document to determine whether an organisation is a co-operative.

5. Co-operative Legal Forms No separate Co-operatives Act 6 legal forms to choose from Industrial and Provident Society Private Limited Company (Shares or Guarantee) Community Interest Company (Shares or Guarantee) Limited Liability Partnership Partnership Unincorporated Association

6. Co-operative CIC First and foremost a CIC “Legal form for social enterprises” Just a company with added “bolt-ons” Criteria for membership but should benefit community rather than members Allows for some return on investment/shareholding Asset lock CIC governing document incorporates V&Ps

7. Co-op CICs Examples

8. Questions

9. Linda Barlow Legal Officer 0161 246 2900 legal@uk.coop Useful Links www.uk.coop/simplyseries www.cicregulator.gov.uk