Co-operative College

Co-operative College Great things happen when people co-operate. We work with co-operatives across the UK and throughout the world.

We are an educational charity dedicated to the promotion of co-operative values, ideas and principles within society. Our focus is on delivering programmes that help individuals and groups gain the skills and understanding needed to put co-operative values and principles into effective practice, with the ultimate aim of helping build successful co-operative businesses.We work with a wide range of

universities, government departments and non-governmental organisations, together with a rapidly growing network of co-operative schools. The College is the UK’s leading knowledge centre on co-operation, drawn from nearly 100 years’ experience of working with co-operatives throughout the world. We host the National Co-operative Archive, which traces the development of co-operative ideals and how a vision of a better world was translated into today’s global movement. The vision and values of the pioneers of co-operation are at the heart of all the college's learning programmes, projects, and resources. Our research team helps to build the knowledge base and inform wider policy debate, whilst our work with schools and young people is taking co-operation to a new generation.

You can find co-operatives in many different industries across the world. One example being: Food and Agriculture. Food ...
27/05/2026

You can find co-operatives in many different industries across the world. One example being: Food and Agriculture.

Food and agriculture co-operatives bring farmers and producers together to share resources, access markets and improve their livelihoods. By working collectively, members can reduce costs, secure fairer returns and build stronger, more sustainable local food systems that benefit both producers and communities.

Word of the day: Connection Connection brings people together, creating relationships built on trust and shared purpose....
25/05/2026

Word of the day: Connection

Connection brings people together, creating relationships built on trust and shared purpose. In co-operatives, strong connections support collaboration, learning, and collective action. When people feel connected, communities become more resilient and inclusive.

What helps build strong connections in your community?

What does ethical business mean to you?Built on values of honesty, openness and social responsibility, ethical business ...
20/05/2026

What does ethical business mean to you?

Built on values of honesty, openness and social responsibility, ethical business practices are at the heart of how co-operatives operate. Through transparency, accountability, fair wages, responsible sourcing and sustainable decision-making, they create businesses that work for both members and the wider community.

Word of the day: FairnessIn co-operatives, fairness guides how resources, opportunities, and responsibilities are shared...
18/05/2026

Word of the day: Fairness

In co-operatives, fairness guides how resources, opportunities, and responsibilities are shared. When fairness is at the core of the co-operative, trust and co-operation can grow.

What does fairness look like in action to you?

Did you know there are many different types of co-operatives? Producer co-ops are just one example of many.Producer co-...
13/05/2026

Did you know there are many different types of co-operatives? Producer co-ops are just one example of many.

Producer co-operatives are formed by farmers, makers or producers who come together to share resources, access markets and strengthen their bargaining power. By collaborating, members can reduce costs, increase stability and grow sustainably.

Word of the day: Skills In the co-operative movement, developing skills supports participation, confidence, and shared s...
11/05/2026

Word of the day: Skills

In the co-operative movement, developing skills supports participation, confidence, and shared success. By investing in skills, co-operatives strengthen individuals and the communities they serve.

What skills have helped you make a difference?

Taking place on Saturday 9 May, 10.30am to 4.15pm at People’s History Museum, join a unique archive open day to mark the...
07/05/2026

Taking place on Saturday 9 May, 10.30am to 4.15pm at People’s History Museum, join a unique archive open day to mark the centenary of the 1926 General Strike, and delve into its significance and legacy.

Explore this unprecedented act of unity with academics, activists, trade unionists, and heritage professionals from John Rylands Library, the National Co-operative Archive, People’s History Museum, and Working Class Movement Library, with support from the Society for the Study of Labour History.

Book your tickets: https://bit.ly/4m0l5ZM

Did you know there are many different types of co-operatives? Consumer co-ops are just one example of many.Consumer co-...
06/05/2026

Did you know there are many different types of co-operatives? Consumer co-ops are just one example of many.

Consumer co-operatives are owned by their customers, created to meet shared needs, whether that’s affordable food, ethical products or essential services. Members have a say in how the business is run, ensuring it works for the people it serves.

Word of the day: Equality Equality ensures everyone has the same rights and opportunities to participate. In co-operativ...
04/05/2026

Word of the day: Equality

Equality ensures everyone has the same rights and opportunities to participate. In co-operatives, equality supports fairness and inclusion, helping to create balanced and democratic environments. When equality is upheld, everyone has the chance to contribute and succeed.

Why is equality important in building strong communities?

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Manchester

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

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