Skip to main content
SEGHU
All Structures
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

Organisations using this structure