What are the co-operative principles?

There are 7 co-operative principles, by which we put our values into practice. They are:

Voluntary and open membership: Membership of Calverts is open to any employee.

Democratic member control: We have a tried and tested method of democratic decision making in all areas of co-op policy. Each member has a single £1 voting share.

Member economic participation: The capital of Calverts is our common, indivisible property. We invest trading surpluses to develop the business and to support other activities approved by the members.

Autonomy and independence: If Calverts enters into agreements with other organisations, including governments or banks, we do so on terms that ensure democratic control by our members and maintaining our co-operative autonomy.

Education, training and information: Calverts provides education and training for its members so they can contribute effectively to the development of the co-op.

Co-operation among co-operatives: Calverts serves its members by working through local, national, regional and international co-operative structures.

Concern for community: Calverts works for the sustainable development of our community through policies approved by the members.

Co-op businesses account for over £17 billion of trade in the UK. Worldwide, more than 800 million people are members of co-operative social enterprises.