What’s an AGM?
Carbon Co-op is a Community Benefit Society which means we exist to benefit the wider community (through our efforts to tackle climate change) AND we have an open membership of around 350 people who pay an annual subscription and are committed to supporting that mission. Our AGM is the regular opportunity we have to be accountable to our members and the wider community. For people to better understand the work we’re doing and contribute ideas on how we should go about achieving our mission.
What will be happening at the AGM?
At past AGM’s we’ve explored a variety of topics including the local implications of global climate talks, the rise of popularism and the implications for climate action and how we might define the concept of Energy Commons.
At this year’s AGM we will be thinking about how Carbon Co-op’s recent work can inform and accelerate a just energy transition – using the example of two projects: our Levenshulme place based retrofit scheme and our Energise Manchester programme. This will include hearing from Ashden Award winner Aileen Mcdonnell, CEO of training contractor and Carbon Co-op partner B4Box about their work on the Levenshulme project.
We will then get down to the official part of the AGM – receiving the annual accounts for the last year, hearing about future plans, electing a new board and importantly, adopting a new set of society rules.
Why is Carbon Co-op adopting a new set of rules?
There are three reasons to adopt a new set of rules.
1. The current rules are out of date
Carbon Co-op was registered in 2011 under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965, the act has since been replaced by the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Also, the model rules that our federation, Co-operatives, have developed for Community Benefit Societies have changed and evolved overtime. Adopting a new set of rules using the most up to date model means our governance will be in compliance with the new act and demonstrate best practice.
2. The role of senior staff members on the board
Currently, two senior staff members, Jonathan Atkinson and Matt Fawcett are both staff members and board members. But they are board members not because of their seniority, but because they are members and have stood for election. The board felt this created contradictions because other senior staff members carrying out similar duties to Jonathan and Matt didn’t hold a board role and because theoretically any member of staff could join the board. Co-operatives UK’s governance experts recommended creating ‘Ex Officio’ board roles (ex officio means as a result of one’s position). As a result of adopting the new rules, staff members currently holding the status of Senior Executive ie Matt Fawcett, Lorenza Casini and Jonathan Atkinson will be board members as a consequence of their job roles.
3. Raising capital via a Community Shares offer
Our current rules do not allow us to raise finance through issuing equity shares – so called Community Shares. We are currently considering running a Community Shares offer to expand our capacity, but even if we decide against it, having the ability to do so in our rules gives us the flexibility to do so.
For these three reasons the board are proposing to adopt a new set of rules – this will be voted on at the AGM. You can read the current rules here and the new rules here.
Can only members attend?
As a Community Benefit Society we want as many people as possible to hear about our work and to input into it and as a result non-members are free to attend. However, it’s worth noting that only members can vote in the official AGM segment. If you aren’t a member and would like to join you can do so here.
What if I can’t make it in person?
The event will be running in person and online, so just indicate online when you book.
