4. The Institute of Co-operative Directors

Within the Co-operative College there is the Institute of Co-operative Directors (ICD) which aims to assist society directors and regional committee members to become more effective in their roles by improving their knowledge, understanding and skills. Directors take four ICD Core subjects: “Ideals, Principles and Structure of the Co-operative Movement”, “Functions, Authority and Roles of the Board of Directors”, “Understanding Accounts”, “Legal Responsibilities of Directors”; plus any two other subjects listed in the ICD optional course program: “Evaluating Society Performance,” “Financial Decision Making”, ”Co-operative Retailing Today”, “International Co-operative Movement”, “Planning for Future Development”, etc. They are awarded the ICA Certificate, the ICA Diploma to develop further the capabilities of committed directors. Dissertation Support Workshop is designed for the ICD Fellowship and those who wish to progress their dissertation.

The Co-operative College is committed to the provision of excellence for all learners. Its aim is delivering learning wherever individuals and organizations need it.

5. Other Co-operative Educational Institutions

Besides the Co-operative College there are some other co-operative educational institutions which provide professional co-operative education. They are: Leicester University, Management Centre (started as London University College (1945 – 1957), later became an independent educational institution teaching 15,000 students from 80 countries in “Financial Management”, “Marketing”, “Labor”); Sterling University, Scotland (is majoring in “Banking”, “Co-operative Finance”, “Finance Accounting”, “Finance Analysis”, “International Finance”); the Co-operative Research Unit Open University (founded in 1969 leads the world in distance learning).

All the Co-operative Education Institutions provide learning, education, training, consultancy and research for the co-operative, social enterprise and mutual sectors in the UK and internationally, offering tailored workshops and qualifications for members, directors, staff and managers in co-operatives, social enterprise and mutual organizations. They work outside of the co-operative movement with schools, young people and public bodies, raising the awareness of the difference co-operatives and co-operative values can make to individuals and their communities.

There is no doubt that co-operative universities and colleges play a vital role in the economic, social and cultural life not only of the UK but worldwide. Increasing number of co-operative members is participating in the shaping of the co-operative society. But the most important challenge of an education system is to tailor it to meet society’s needs. Research is also a very important aspect of the co-operative education, as it is the main provider of co-operative learning worldwide. Co-operative colleges and universities focus on business and management studies, humanities, education and play a key role serving both the nation and their local communities.

The Co-operative College makes significant progress towards the achievement of its objectives, in particular expanding the numbers of learners and starting major projects to develop new areas of work. The Co-operative College continues to widen and deepen its range of learning programs and activities. The College continues to invest in development opportunities for its core team of staff and Associates. The Co-operative College delivers a program of open and in-house workshops to national, regional and local co-operatives.