Cooperatives Yorkshire and Humber

New Steering Group elected at AGM

Over 40 people attended Fast Forward and AGM last November in Leeds. A new steering group was elected comprising of Jean Miller (the Co-operative Group), Alan Dootson (Sheffield Co-operative Development Group), Bob McAteer (Barnsley Credit Union), Graham Mitchell (MC3 co-op), John Johnson and Lee Harker (Speakeasy), Mike Davenport (Yorkshire Chapter of Credit Unions), Pete Teleha (Suma), Robert Pepper (Huddersfield Town Supporters Trust) and Stuart Winchester (business advisor). Linda Gomila replaces Giles Hall as the officer from the Co-operative Group. John Goodman continues to provide support from Co-operatives UK and Jo Bird continues as Business Development Manager. The first meeting of the new steering group appointed Jean Miller as Chair, Graham Mitchell as Vice-Chair and Mike Davenport as Treasurer. The steering group welcomes your contributions in developing a forward strategy for Co-operatives Yorkshire & the Humber. 

The popular Fast Forward event also saw the launch of new promotional leaflets 'The co-operative economy in Yorkshire and the Humber'. The leaflets have been posted to all 220 co-ops in the region. Please contact Alan Dootson alan[at]scdg.orgor Jo Bird if you would like copies of the leaflet.

Meet Fairtrade Producers

Meet Columbian Fairtrade coffee producers, 25 February, 12.30-3.30pm and/or 4.30-6pm, Queens Hotel, Leeds LS1 1PL

The Co-operative College are launching a new Fairtrade resource pack for Primary schools. They are inviting children and teachers to meet and listen to a Fairtrade producer and engage in some of the many activities that help make up the resource pack. The early afternoon event will also enable the Co-operative College to show teachers how to get the most out of the resource pack when they get back to school. Contact Steve Kingman, Schools Development Manager, 0161 246 2966. 

Later that day in the same hotel, the Co-operative is hosting an event with two Producers - a coffee grower and a representative of the Co-operative's trade partner, Colcafe. Join them for a coffee and take the opportunity to network with fellow co-operators. For tickets contact linda.gomila[at]co-operative.coop 

Rugby League Supporters Trust Development Officer

Job vacancy, £25,000 pa

Supporters Direct is looking for a dynamic, committed and highly skilled individual to help establish, develop and support supporters’ trusts in rugby league. This includes the Engage Super League and the Cooperative Championship Competition clubs. Supporters Direct is the national umbrella body for over 150 supporters’ trusts across the United Kingdom. This exciting new opportunity is a result of a partnership with the RFL and the Co-operative Group. The ideal candidate must be prepared to travel to meetings throughout the country, although the majority of work is expected to be in Yorkshire and the North West. Contact jobs[at]supporters-direct.org or call 020 7273 1576. Applications should be received as a CV with covering letter by 20th February 2009. www.supporters-direct.org/news/item.asp?n=3821&cat=sd_eng 

Community Share Issues

Seminar, Wednesday 29 April, Manchester

Co-operatives UK and the Development Trusts Association are running an awareness raising seminar about the Community Shares action research project led by Jim Brown, Baker Brown Associates. Seminars include input by the Financial Services Authority. To register a place contact Petra Morris, Co-operatives UK 0161 246 2960 or petra.morris[at]cooperatives-uk.coop. http://.communityshares.org.uk 

Co-operative Excellence Awards

Nominations now open

Co-operatives UK has launched Co-operative Excellence: the national awards recognising excellence in co-operatives. If you are - or know - an individual or co-operative business in the UK that deserves greater recognition for the work that they do to promote co-operatives and the values of co-operation, now is your opportunity to put them forward for a Co-operative Excellence award. Nominations close on 30 April 2009 and will then be reviewed by an independent judging panel. The awards will be presented on 27 June at Co-operatives 2009 in Old Windsor, Berkshire. Contact Joe Robinson on 0161 246 2906. www.cooperatives-uk.coop

Up To Date Social Enterprise Humber directory

Social Enterprise Humber directory has undergone a major update and revamp. Contact Jon Clarke, Humberside CDA Ltd jon[at]humbersidecda.info. www.sehdirectory.co.uk.

InterAct 09

8th Co-operative Education Conference, 10-11 July, Northampton

Participative conference on co-operative contributions to social cohesion. The theme of social cohesion touches all our lives - in our schools, in our communities and in the third sector. East of England Co-op look forward to spending this time with you to share experiences and explore strategies to address the agenda. Some bursaries are available. Contact 01473 280316 or education@eastofengland.coop. www.eastofengland.coop

Making Local Food Work

Governance and Legal Structures training; July 29th Leeds; October 28th Sheffield

Throughout this year the Co-operatives UK team are offering regional one day training days on Governance and Legal Structures so to improve the knowledge of good governance and its critical role in the sustainability of organisations. The training is from 10am-4pm and will cover: Typical legal and organisational structures for community based local food initiatives; Good governance - common problems and good practice; How to facilitate groups in choosing the correct structures - interactive select-a-structure workshop. £50+VAT per person inc lunch. Contact Making Local Food work team on 0161 246 2953 or mlfw[at]cooperatives-uk.coop. www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/about/gs/Regional_training.cfm