Simply GOVERNANCE A comprehensive guide to understanding the systems and processes concerned with the running of a sustainable community enterprise 1st Edition June 2011 Published by: Co-operatives UK Holyoake House Hanover Street Manchester M60 0AS Tel: 0161 246 2900 Fax: 0161 831 7684 email:
[email protected] web: www.uk.coop © Copyright: Co-operatives UK 2011 Co-operatives UK is the national trade body that campaigns for co-operation and works to promote, develop and unite co-operative enterprises. Co-operatives UK aims to bring together all those with a passion and interest in co-operative action. Design, artwork and illustration by www.wave.coop Printed on recycled paper. You can get details of other publications from our website. This guide has been produced as part of the Making Local Food Work Project. ISBN: 978-0-9549677-2-7 Foreword Co-operatives UK has come up with a This guide demystifies governance in worthy sister publication to the highly a way that makes it possible for every respected Simply Legal guide. member of any community enterprise to understand how their organisation ticks Good governance is critical to the success and how they can engage positively with of any enterprise and is particularly the rest of the membership to ensure the important in an enterprise which is owned organisation is effective, accountable and by a large number of people. It is vital to sustainable in all senses of the word. balance the needs and aspirations of all members in a way that also allows the David Button membership to participate in the decision- Chair, Co-operatives UK making process.