Education
Education is at the core of the co-operative model. It is one of the international cooperative principles to support the empowerment of members and ensure that the benefits of the model are handed on.
While 8 in 10 Australians are members of a co-operative or mutual, only 3 in 10 know it.
Public awareness of co-ops and mutuals is not the only issue. Co-operatives and mutuals are largely absent from education. This means co-operative and mutual businesses are poorly understood by key professions such as accounting and law. Therefore, professional advice costs more for co-operatives and mutuals than other forms of business.
The BCCM provides education and training about co-operatives and mutuals through our own programs and in partnership with education partners.
BCCM’s courses and training
Education is a strategic priority of the BCCM. We educate people and policy makers about the benefits of co-ops and mutuals and advocate for education about the model to be included in mainstream education. The BCCM works to improve the provision of relevant education about the co-operative and mutual business model.
Our industry courses are designed to meet your team’s education and training needs from the frontline to the board table.
We are delighted to launch our first comprehensive program of industry-relevant education and training for directors, executives and employees of co-operatives and mutuals. Developed with industry, for industry, you can now choose from a program of training across key competencies in the areas of governance, management and employee induction.
We have partnered with leading education and training providers, including the Australian Institute of Company Directors and AIM WA UWA Business School Executive Education, to bring BCCM members and non-members a high-quality and engaging education and training program.
Our education team can also discuss our bespoke education offerings to cater to in-house and customised training needs.
Contact our education team to discover how we can help with your education and training needs.
Generous discounts for all courses apply to BCCM members. Find out how you can become a member.
Browse our upcoming courses, 2024 education prospectus or search for relevant training in the below areas.
Training areas
Foundations of Directorship for CMEs
The BCCM has partnered with the Australian Institute of Company Directors to offer Australia’s first AICD course specifically designed for directors of co-operatives and mutuals. Offered over 3-days online.
Are you ready to be a co-op director?
Renowned governance expert Richard Westlake is offering BCCM members an exclusive bespoke mini governance course, delivered online and customised to your organisation’s needs. Contact the BCCM for more information.
Accidental Co-operative and Mutual Enterprise Secretary
Are you working as, aspiring to be, or wanting to know more about how to be an effective Secretary for a Co-operative or Mutual Enterprise (CME)?
Then our newly announced Accidental Co-operative and Mutual Enterprise Secretary course is perfect for you.
Developed in partnership with the Governance Institute of Australia (GIA), this tailored and specialised course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role, responsibilities, and functions of a CME secretary and is tailored for the legal and regulatory requirements of co-ops and mutuals.
Customised governance training for co-ops and mutuals
Let us build the course for you. BCCM offers half and full-day governance refresher courses delivered to boards in-house or remotely. Contact the BCCM for details.
The BCCM has developed the first course to introduce your employees to key co-op and mutual concepts. A live two-hour online classroom.
The BCCM and research partner Monash University offer masterclasses in the ground-breaking Mutual Value Measurement (MVM) Framework©. Discover course dates and more about MVM.
Co-operative Financials and Governance for Accountants and Lawyers CPD Course
The first course developed by the BCCM to equip accounting and legal practitioners with the relevant knowledge to be able to advise clients on setting up and running effective co-operative businesses.
Co-operatives and Mutuals Strategic Development Program (CMSDP)
Offered through AIM WA UWA Business School Executive Education, this three-day program has been designed by Winthrop Professor Tim Mazzarol following extensive research into the needs of co-operative and mutual organisations. Discounts available for the BCCM’s members.
Designed to help co-op and mutual executives and emerging leaders develop an innovation mindset, this three, half-day online masterclass is delivered by Strategyzer’s Fred Etiemble and UTS’s Professor Emmanuel Josserand.
Sustainability Strategy for Co-operatives and Mutuals
An internationally accredited training programme with consultancy input focussing on the ‘E’ in ESG and helping co-ops and mutuals respond to the net zero imperative
The BCCM’s world-first accredited sustainability training programme for co-operatives and mutuals was developed by sustainability strategist and educator Peter Watts. This will help co-op and mutual leaders to understand key sustainability issues and equip them to lead their organisation in developing a strategy (or improving an existing one).
Purchase your course licences for you and your team. Member discounts are available.
Self-paced six-module introduction to co-ops course for farmers, fishers and foresters.