Social Co-operatives
Social co-operatives exist to create social impact rather than financial returns for members. They typically operate in sectors like care, employment services, or training, and reinvest any surplus into their mission rather than distributing it.
How It Works
Social co-ops bring together workers, service users, and sometimes community members in governance. The multi-stakeholder model is common, ensuring that the people who deliver and receive services have equal voice in how the organisation is run.
Legal Structure
Social co-ops often register as Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG) or CICs. Where they have a charitable purpose they may register as a CIO. IPS registration is also available for co-operative social enterprises.
Social Co-ops in the UK
Big Issue Group
London, England
Big Issue Group is a social enterprise that helps homeless and marginalised people earn a living through selling The Big…
Shared Interest
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Shared Interest is a social finance co-operative that provides loans and guarantees to fair trade and community enterpri…
West Highland Social Co-op
Fort William, Scotland
West Highland Social Co-op provides social care and support services across the Highlands, operated as a worker co-opera…
Greenwich Leisure Ltd (Better)
London, England
Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), trading as Better, is the UK's largest social enterprise leisure operator, managing over 25…
The Co-operative College
Manchester, England
The Co-operative College is an educational charity and co-operative dedicated to the promotion of co-operative values, i…