The Co-operative College is delivering an induction programme for new members of the Co-operative Councils Innovation Network.
The College will provide an introductory-level online training programme, an in-depth training programme exploring what it means to be a Co-operative Council in practice, and commission training programmes tailored specifically to a council.
The online training programme will also be available to individuals from existing CCIN members by way of refresher training.
As part of the training, participants will learn about the co-operative values and principles adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance and how these might be applied to the workings of Co-operative Councils. They will also consider different options for models of governance and exploring routes to becoming a sustainable Co-operative Council and good practice examples.
The programme will be developed with input from Councils during an eight-week consultation and design period.
Cllr Sharon Taylor OBE, chair of the Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network and leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to be working with Dr Cilla Ross and the College Team to deliver the Network’s Induction Programme.
“Since 2017, the Network has grown from 19 to 66 members, and curiosity in how co-operative councils operate is arousing interest at a national and international level. The time to right to formalise our Induction process and the Co-operative College is the perfect organisation to do that. This new relationship will give our work programme academic rigour.”
Dr Cilla Ross, principal and chief executive of the Co-operative College, added: “We’re thrilled to have reached an agreement with the Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network to design their induction programme. Since our inception in 1919, our focus has been on delivering education and training that excites and inspires more individuals and organisations to become part of the co-operative movement.
“Our team will put together a comprehensive training programme that will ensure the CCIN network continues to go from strength to strength, building on the fantastic work that they do right across the UK.”
