Members, as the owners of a co-operative, are key to its success.
Co-operatives are Member-owned, Member-governed businesses that operate for the benefit of their Members according to common values and principles agreed upon by the international co operative community.
Values
- Self-help
- Self-responsibility
- Democracy
- Equality
- Equity
- Solidarity
Put into practice through the Principles of:
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training, and Information
- Co-operation Among Co-operatives
- Concern for Community
Membership rights and responsibilities generally derive from the co-operative’s governing document. For Southern Co-op this takes the form of our Rules.
Connection to the Business
As a consumer co-operative, Southern Co-op operates food stores, end of life services and coffee stores for the benefit of our Members and their wider communities.
Members can earn a Share of the Profits through their trade with our food stores when a dividend is paid, and receive member offers in our food stores and discounts on our end of life services and products. Members also have the opportunity to opt in to our All Yours additional benefits package and have free access to exclusive discounts, tailored wellbeing plans, on-demand fitness classes, and learning resources via our Member Benefits Portal.
