Cooperatives Yorkshire and Humber

Footprint Workers Co-op in Leeds Seeks new members

Closing date for applications Monday 5th March 2012

We need one or two people who can commit to working 8-15 hours a week for £7.50 per hour (we’re not in it for the money!) on printing, web design and/or on financial administration for Rootstock Ltd* (www.rootstock.org.uk)

We don’t want an employee who just turns up does the work and goes home.
We want someone who thinks that what Footprint (and Rootstock) does is great and wants to join the co-op, become a director and take an equal share of all the responsibilities of running the Co-op. We also want people who are looking for a long-term commitment, as it takes at least a year to get up to speed.

No experience at printing or financial admin is necessary, but there are other essential qualities and skills in a good co-op member.

For more info and an application go to the Application Page

A new co-operative for social care in South Leeds and Morley

Leeds Co-operative Party would like to invite interested co-operators to a meeting in Morley Town Hall on Monday 19 March 2012 from 5pm to about 7pm.
The localism policy of the government and the other legislation is making councils look at its service provision. This could be an opportunity to create something new in social care for older people. As a first step the council is looking at services in South Leeds and Morley.  
If you are interested please let Neil Rhodes on leedscoopparty@gmail.com as soon as you can so he has an idea of how many people will be likely to attend

Co-operative Group Ethical Plan

The Co-operative Group’s latest ethical plan, first launched 12 months ago as the most radical sustainability programme in UK corporate history, shows how many of the original targets, particularly in relation to environmental issues, have been achieved well ahead of schedule.

For more info go to http://www.co-operative.coop/join-the-revolution/our-blog/clean-energy-revolution/we-ve-raised-the-ethical-bar-yet-again/

Looking for office space? Ethcial Property may have just what you need

Ethical Property provides affordable, flexible, fully managed space for charities & social enterprises in Sheffield & Leeds. We already house many groups including South Yorkshire DEC; PedalReady; RETAS Leeds & Fever FM Community Radio.

Our centres provide fully serviced workspace and have a range of shared spaces - perfect for organisations to hold meetings and training sessions. In addition our shared kitchen facilities and reception areas are ideal for socialising, networking and holding informal meetings.

There is currently a variety of space available – from individual desks to larger offices. If you are interested and feel you and your organisation could benefit from the facilities we provide call us on 01865 207810, email info@ethicalproperty.co.uk or visit www.ethicalproperty.co.uk

Industrial and provident society registration

At the end of January 2012 the Government have, as part of the Finance Services Bill published proposed plans for the transfer of the industrial and provident society registration function.

Since 2001, following the winding up of the Registry of Friendly Societies the function has been provided by the Financial Services Authority.

The proposal is that is will now be transferred to the newly formed Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which has been created as part of the re-organisation of the Financial Services Authority.

This effectively continues with the present arrangement rather than transferring the function to another registrar such as the CIC regulator.

Exploring Co-operative Approaches to Public Service Delivery

As part of CYH's ongoing work with local authorities on our Co-operative Councils programme, CYH has teamed up with Leeds City Council to hold an event to bring together Leeds City Council officers and co-operators who may be able to support public sector provision in Leeds. If you are interested in developing co-operative solutions to community or public services in Leeds this event will be invaluable.

The event is on the 12th March from 9.30am-1pm at The Brigshaw Co-operative Trust in Kippax. If you want an booking form or more information please email alex@cooperatives-yh.coop

Move Your Money

This welcome initiative will encourage people to change the way the banking system works by simply moving their money to more local, fair banks – co-operative and mutual banks, building societies and credit unions. You can read more on their website http://moveyourmoney.org.uk and Ed Mayo's blog here: http://s.coop/7xk5

Buy Together Better

Towards the end of February Co-ops UK will be opening applications for a new innovation challenge we are running with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The 'Buy Better Together Challenge' is an exciting initiative, with a £60,000 prize fund, to help inspire new models of community buying, stimulate enterprise and promote shared learning. You can read more here www.uk.coop/challenge

International Womens Day Event

The Co-op Group is organising a Swap &Shop Event with 60 stalls, refreshments, clothes swap, goody bags, raffle, tombola and much more on the 4th March from 1pm to 5pm at the Queens Hotel, Leeds. To book email donna.murgatroyd@cooperative.coop.

Working Capital - A Social Investment Conference (only 3 places remaining)
Working Capital is a Social Investment Conference designed to bring together the leading exponents in Social Investment with Social Enterprises and Social Enterpreneurs to learn about emerging products, do deals and undertake business.
Co-operative Community Finance and the Co-operative Bank will have a stand at the event. More information and booking at http://workingcapital.eventbrite.com/

Co-operatives UK launches new IPS model rules
Model rule descriptions here. In brief, the legislative reform makes changes in three key areas: age limits, share capital and interim accounts. More information here

Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber has moved
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber is now based with sister organisation Involve Yorkshire and the Humber in Central Leeds, our new address is:
c/o Involve Yorkshire and the Humber
Floor 5, Gallery House
131 The Headrow
Leeds
LS1 5RD

Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber Enhanced Benefits Package
Join our enhanced scheme for a number of new benefits including a free place at Futures North 2011. The package is being delivered jointly with Social Enterprise Yorkshire and the Humber and includes benefits such as membership of a business club for social enterprises and co-operatives and inclusion on a marketplace e-directory.
The package starts at just £25 for small co-operatives and full details can be downloaded here.

The Phone Co-op Affinity Scheme
CYH have an affinity scheme with The Phone Co-op. Any individual or organisation can join so If you're considering joining the The Phone Co-op there are several benefits you can receive by quoting our affinity number AF0461- details are available here.

If you are not a member but wish to be membership of Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber is free and open to all organisations who support co-operative values and principles. A membership form can be obtained by downloading a form from here