Social Co-operatives

Please join us for ‘Social Co-operatives’, the 9th Annual Research Symposium jointly hosted by the Co-operatives Research Group at the University of Sydney Business School and The Co-op Federation. This symposium will explore the role that co-operatives can play in assisting the most vulnerable in our society.

Co-operatives can play a crucial role in delivering social services to communities through social and worker co-operatives. Social co-operatives have developed since the 1960s, particularly in Italy, to meet deficiencies by both the state and the private sector in delivering social services. The decision-making process is democratically driven with the simultaneous participation of a variety of members including users of the services, workers, volunteers, financing members and various legal entities. Revenue derives from supplying services to both the state and private firms. Examples of activities include employment services and becoming a service provider for the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme. Worker co-operatives can also be formed that provide similar services but are based on a worker ownership model.

Highlights include a plenary by Steve Anthony OAM, the CEO of SILC (Supporting Independent Living Co-operative), a presentation by Gillian McPhee (Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals) on the federally funded Care Together Program, and case studies.

Please note this symposium is going to be held in-person only. We look forward to seeing you there!