Legal Structure
Co-operative Society
A member-owned society that operates for the mutual benefit of its members. Can be worker-owned, consumer-owned, or multi-stakeholder.
Key Characteristics
- Member-owned and democratically controlled
- One member one vote
- Surplus shared among members
- Can be worker, consumer, or multi-stakeholder
Advantages
- Member engagement and ownership
- Flexible surplus distribution
- Strong cooperative identity
- Can issue shares to members
Limitations
- Members must actively participate
- Not suitable for external investment
- Governance can be complex
- Less understood by mainstream funders
Regulator: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Take the Structure Assessment