Co-op types
Multi-stakeholder co-ops
A co-operative may bring together workers, users, producers or community members in different membership groups. Its rules define representation and decision rights; equal numbers of seats or cross-group vetoes are not automatic.
Start with membership
Who belongs?
Two or more member groups. The organisation’s governing documents define who may join, their obligations and their rights.
A useful question to ask
How are different interests represented and what happens when groups disagree about priorities?
Model and legal form are different
Co-operative societies, community benefit societies and companies have different legal characteristics. A community benefit society is not simply another name for a co-operative society. A company can be structured co-operatively; a CIC designation alone does not create democratic member ownership.
Credit unions have their own specific regulation. If you are forming or changing an organisation, take its purpose, control, capital requirements and proposed use of assets to a qualified adviser.
Prepare for choosing a structure →