Cooperatives Yorkshire and Humber

Co-operative and Social Enteprise Summer School

Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber in partnership with Sheffield Business School present a  short course exploring the social and economic contribution of co-operatives and social enterprises. The course provides participants with an opportunity to develop their knowledge about the rationale, purposes and practices of co-operatives. 

The two-day taught element is a combination of lectures, discussions and debates. The third day is organised as an Open Space event (bookable separately). All participants receive a copy of the book Understanding Social Enterprise: Theory and Practice, plus lecture slides, course CD, refreshments and lunches.

Members of Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber Enhanced Benefits Scheme recieve a 15% discount.

For details and to book visit http://sheffieldsummerschool.eventbrite.com/

Futures North Conference

Co-operatives Futures North will be held on Saturday 23rd June marking the start of Co-operatives Fortnight. The full programme and bookings will be launched shortly, we are still looking for workshop presenters if you have an idea for a workshop you would like to deliver please contact alex@cooperatives-yh.coop

Select committee enquiry into public service co-operatives 

The House of Commons Communities and Local Government Select Committee has launched a ‘co-operative council’ enquiry on ‘the setting-up and operation of not-for-profit businesses owned and controlled, in full or part, by the people who work for them to provide local services that local authorities traditionally provide.’

Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber working with Co-operatives UK, College and the Party  will be submitting evidence to the enquiry. The deadline is 11 May.

They have provided this guidance about the questions we are asked to address:

• What is the difference between a co-operative council where services are supplied via not-for-profit businesses and other local authorities?

• What arrangements need to be put in place to deliver services by not-for-profit businesses such as employee-owned mutuals? More specifically, what are the barriers to establishing not-for-profit businesses to supply services; what role does the local authority have in promoting and incubating a not-for-profit business; and where does accountability lie?

• What are the advantages of and drawbacks to providing services via not-for-profit businesses?

• Where services are delivered by not-for-profit businesses what difference will the local resident and local taxpayer see?

Committee membership: Clive Betts (Chair, Lab, Sheffield South East), Heidi Alexander (Lab, Lewisham East), Bob Blackman (Con, Harrow East), Simon Danczuk (Lab, Rochdale), Bill Esterson (Lab, Sefton Central), Stephen Gilbert (Lib Dem, St Austell and Newquay), David Heyes (Lab, Ashton-under-Lyne), George Hollingbery (Con, Meon Valley), James Morris (Con, Halesowen and Rowley Regis), Mark Pawsey, (Con, Rugby), Heather Wheeler (Con, South Derbyshire).

If there is anything you would like us to add email alex@cooperatives-yh.coop

Keeping the personal, personal

This relates to the first of a new monthly blog on legal and governance issues from Co-operatives UK’s legal team. The blog is for people interested in starting, growing and advising co-operatives. They aim to share best practice on key issues, so they’d welcome comments and discussion on your relevant experiences on Co-operatives UK's Linked in page.

This first blog looks at recent experiences of alternative to personal guarantees, and aims to enable advisors and new starts discuss and share good practice on this topic.

You can read the blog on Co-operatives UK’s website here: http://www.uk.coop/blog/lindabanks/2012-03-22/asked-provide-personal-gua... Or on Linkedin here: http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestionAndAnswers=&discussionI... ">http://www.uk.coop/blog/lindabanks/2012-03-22/asked-provide-personal-guarantee-what-you-should-know

Launch of 2 New Leeds Co-operatives

Kaba PC is a non profit cooperative computer recycling organisation since 2010.
Our goal is to reduce computer industry waste by repairing, reusing and recycling
discarded electronic material.

You are invited to their opening
Saturday 31st of March 2012
10am - 4pm:
66 Burley Lodge Road, Burley, Leeds, LS6 1QF

Leeds Community Organising is launching with a public discussion on 28th April, 4-6pm, with Maurice Glasman of London Citizens: 'Harnessing the Power to Change", looking at how we can organise our communities and learning from experiences in other cities. The discussion is preceded by an invite-only training event for those groups interested in joining LCO - for more info, please contact Cath Muller on leedscommunityorg@gmail.com or 07579 965227

Also, Cornerstone Housing Co-operative in Chapeltown, Leeds has vacancies in its two shared houses. More info from our website:
www.cornerstonehousing.org.uk or contact cornerstone@cornerstonehousing.org.uk

Positive News

Positive News is a newspaper which only reports positive news. Read about community renewable energy and much else www.positivenews.org.uk

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

Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber has moved

Our new address is:
Ebor Court
Skinner St
Leeds
LS1 4ND

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