Revisit our extensive archive of Members' Updates
Members’ Update December 2024
- 6th Dec 2024
As we end the year, I want to thank all those who have contributed to our continued growth with commitment, energy and passion for our values. Our Policy work drives innovation across the public sector. I'm immensely proud of what continues to be achieved as our members collaborate to build a fairer and more cooperative world. 2025 is the UN International Year of Cooperatives and I'm looking forward to the future.
Last week, we held the first Executive Oversight Committee meeting following the Governance Elections in the Autumn. In addition to discussions around the organisation’s budget and future strategy, topics included reviewing the legal constitution of the Network, new member applications, and approving a set of Brand Guidelines for the Network and its funded projects. The new Guidelines include an updated CCIN logo, which will be launched in January to celebrate the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025.
Last month, at a historic Mansion House address, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the creation of a new Mutuals and Co-operative Business Council. This Council will serve as a structured forum for collaboration between the government and the cooperative and mutual sectors. It will provide technical expertise, inform, and offer innovative solutions focused on mutual ownership and control based on experiences and lessons learned from the UK and international movements. This is an exciting development, and we hope to have the opportunity to contribute. You can read more from Co-operatives UK below.
In this edition, we share the timetable for the next round of Policy Funding; the closing date for submissions is 13 March 2025. We’re announcing the details ahead of the Annual Conference in February so you can begin discussing potential bids in your own organisations and start conversations with potential partners.
Also, we would like to ask all members to submit a Case Study for the 2025 printed pack. The deadline for this is 7 March, so with over three months’ notice, we hope that the next edition will be our biggest yet, but we really need your help to achieve this.
We also invite Bids to run Workshops at the Annual Conference. We particularly want to see applications for sessions offering innovative cooperative approaches to delivering any of the government’s Missions.
In this edition, we also share the findings of the Policy Prototype led by Stevenage Borough Council on a Cooperative Community Bank of Kindness and feature an exciting video on what ‘community power means’ featuring Rekindle in South Manchester, Disability Stockport and Middleton Cooperating.
Congratulations to all the worthy winners of the LGIU Awards last month. These are the only national awards celebrating the vital work of councillors.
Finally, we hear from our Honorary President Steve Reed OBE, MP Secretary of State for DEFRA about what it means to be a member of the CCIN.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year and hope you enjoy this Update.
Best wishes
Jim
