Mutual Mindset: An Introduction to Co-operatives and Mutuals
Do you have new employees unfamiliar with co-operative and mutual structures and their purpose? Or do you have directors and executives looking to deepen their knowledge of the sector? This is a 2-hour online program designed to provide a general introduction to the co-ops and mutual industry in Australia and globally.
This course is suitable for anyone new to co-operatives and mutuals and those looking for a refresher and information on the live sector. It can be tailored to your existing induction training program, or your employees can take one of our online classes throughout the year.
It is facilitated by well-known co-operative development expert Antony McMullen and includes live interaction and two guest speakers.
Watch past guest speaker interviews.
About this course
The key objective is to educate and inspire people working in the sector to understand more about the unique role and contribution of co-operatives and mutuals to help them in their role in their co-operative or mutual, whether frontline staff, management or directors. It will help build a meaningful connection between the employee and the wider co-operative and mutual sector, as well as strengthen the relationship with their individual employer.
This is achieved through a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles which underpin co-operatives and mutuals as businesses that put purpose, people, and communities at the heart of the enterprise.
It is delivered in a live, interactive webinar structure with a unique live Q&A with two sector leaders. Knowledge is delivered in a fun and accessible format.
By undertaking the course, your employees will learn:
- About the co-operative and mutual business model and how it is different to other kinds of business structures.
- About the purpose of co-ops and mutuals and how they are structured to benefit members.
- Some real examples of co-ops and mutuals through case studies.
- How co-ops and mutuals are started here and around the world.
- Why working for a co-op or mutual matters – in live conversations with two senior co-op or mutual business leaders.
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, attendees will be able to demonstrate their understanding of:
- The size, scale and impact of the co-op and mutual sector in Australia.
- The unique nature and fundamental concepts of co-operative and mutual businesses.
- Similarities and differences from other business models, including shareholder-owned businesses.
- The origins and development of co-operatives and mutuals in Australia and overseas (including mutual ADIs, Friendly Societies and agricultural and retail co-ops).
- The seven global co-operative principles and the three mutual values.
- Why co-operatives and mutuals matter to a sustainable economy and society.
Length: 2 hours
Delivery mode: Online
Professional development: 2 CPD points are awarded
Cost
- BCCM Member (1–9 registrations) – $253 plus GST and booking fee
- BCCM Member (10+ registrations) – $197 plus GST and booking fee
- Non-BCCM Members – $454 plus GST and booking fee
Guest speakers
Leigh Bowden, Chair, The Coota District Co-op
When Target announced the closure of its much-loved Cootamundra store, the locals quickly realised they would need to travel to Young or Wagga to buy many of their everyday essentials – especially bras and briefs. A casual comment by Cootamundra resident Leigh Bowden, “why don’t we start a co-op?”, marked the start of a long but exciting journey that has seen substantial progress made towards opening a member-owned retail co-op in the town. The Cootamundra District Co-op opened its doors on 3 August 2023.
In addition to her role as Chair of the Cootamundra District Co-op, Leigh is also an elected Councillor at Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.
Leigh holds a BA Dip Ed, an MA in Women’s Studies and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Aboriginal Studies. She has worked as a casual academic for several universities in the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme.
Before moving to Cootamundra, from Sydney, Leigh owned and managed her own small business, in addition to working as the National Community Relations Manager for a not-for-profit organisation.
In Cootamundra, prior to being elected to Council, Leigh was a member of The Arts Centre Cootamundra Committee, the Course Coordinator of U3A and the non-Indigenous Project Officer of the Cootamundra Aboriginal Working Group. She continues to be a member of the Cootamundra Aboriginal Working Party, the Council representative on The Arts Centre Cootamundra Committee and the Ellwood’s Hall Committee and represents CGRC on the Eastern Riverina Arts Advisory Committee. She is also Country Vice President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (NSW).
Trish Ridsdale, Managing Director, BoardBusiness
Trish is an experienced Independent Company Director, Chair and specialist consultant. She has a keen interest in how organisations work and has had an extensive executive journey including public company secretary, business risk consulting practice leader, as well as management roles in industrial relations, human resources and internal auditing.
She is focused on creating and sustaining organisational success and making the essential linkages between strategy, risk, governance and individual performance capability. For her, these are the key drivers of an organisation’s success.
Trish has experience working across the private, not-for-profit and government sectors.
Her personal measure of success is the time she spends working with interesting people and doing interesting things that make a difference.
Watch past guest speaker interviews.
Register
Book online.
Email the BCCM education team if you require additional information.
The material presented by the BCCM is distributed as an information source only and is subject to change without notice.
The BCCM and course presenters make no statements, representations, or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or reliability of, and you should not rely on, any information contained in this presentation. You should make your own inquiries and obtain advice specific to your particular circumstances.
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