Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Co-operatives UK to work with government on new service for public sector co-operatives

by Ethos public relations

Speaking following the launch of the Mutuals Information Service by Minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude, Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, made a statement.

“We welcome the launch of the Mutuals Information Service – a partnership between the Cabinet Office, Local Partnerships, Employee Ownership Association and Co-operatives UK – which will provide a signposting service for staff in the public sector interested in setting up staff-owned mutuals, or co-operatives that go further by engaging service users as well.

“There are successful public sector co-operatives out there already, including GP out of hours co-operatives and co-operative trust schools. But most co-operatives operate in the private sector in highly competitive markets and if public services want to pick up the model, they will have to get it right, both in terms of the business model and in terms of a commitment to co-operative values and principles.

“So, as the trade association for co-operatives in this country, Co-operatives UK is pleased to see the government’s commitment to co-operative and mutual delivery of public services starting to take shape.

“We are committed to sharing our expertise so that public sector employees exploring co-operative and mutual alternatives get the support, information and advice they need.

“We look forward to working closely with Local Partnerships – a joint venture between the Treasury and the Local Government Association - and the Employee Ownership Association on the Mutuals Information Service.”

Posted at 17^th November 2010