Co-op types
Worker co-ops
Members organise a business around their work, with democratic ownership and control. Employment does not automatically confer membership; the rules and joining process explain eligibility and rights.
Start with membership
Who belongs?
People who work in the business. The organisation’s governing documents define who may join, their obligations and their rights.
A useful question to ask
How do people become members, delegate management and hold decision-makers accountable?
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 →