An Introduction to Co-operatives and Mutuals

This unique program has been developed to provide foundational information about co-operatives and mutuals for your employees.

Developed especially as an easy and affordable induction training for new employees, this industry developed course is relevant for staff at all levels to ensure a consistent level of knowledge across the co-operative and mutual enterprise (CME) sector.

It is designed to ensure CME employers can provide an introductory overview of the business model and the CME sector to new and existing staff.

The key objective is to educate and to 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 CME, whether frontline staff, management or directors. It will help build a meaningful connection between the employee and the wider CME sector, as well strengthening the relationship with their individual employer.

This is achieved through a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles which underpin CMEs as businesses that put purpose, people, and communities at the heart of the enterprise.

It is delivered in a live and interactive webinar structure with a unique live Q&A with a sector leader. Knowledge is delivered in a fun and accessible format.

By undertaking the course, your employees will learn:

1. About the co-operative and mutual business model and how it is different to other kinds of business structures.
2. About the purpose of co-ops and mutuals and how they are structured to benefit members.
3. Some real examples of co-ops and mutuals through case studies.
4. How co-ops and mutuals and started here and around the world, and,
5. Why working for a co-op or mutual matters – in a live conversation with a senior co-op or mutual business leader.

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, 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.

Guest speaker – Mark Worthington, CEO, Australian Mutual Bank

Mark Worthington is the CEO of Australian Mutual Bank. He has held senior management positions in credit unions for over 20 years, has completed B.A. and M.B.A. degrees, and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Australian Mutual Bank is based in Sydney and has over 70,000 members and AUD$1.7 billion assets. The name change from ‘credit union’ to ‘mutual bank’ occurred in Feb 2018, and the change does not affect the mutual bank’s co-operative structure.

Mark is a director of the Australian Mutuals Foundation Ltd, a charitable organisation that provides funds for the Asian Confederation’s credit union development activities. He is also a director of the managed services company Transaction Solutions Ltd.

Mark is a Development Educator and has participated in credit union development activities in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, and Tuvalu and he has presented at most ACCU Forums since 2007. He is also a volunteer surf lifesaver at South Maroubra Surf Club.

Watch our interview with Mark from this online induction course.

Register

Book online for you and your staff to attend An Introduction to Co-operatives and Mutuals – multiple dates available.

Email the BCCM education team if you require additional information.

The material presented by BCCM is distributed as an information source only and is subject to change without notice.

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.

Despite our best efforts, to the extent permitted by law, BCCM and course presenters disclaim all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses (including direct and indirect losses), damages and costs you may incur as a result of the information presented being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason; or being subject to update in legislation.