We are a self-managed project, meaning that each and every single one of us is expected to contribute working hours to maintaining and running the coop by taking on some responsibility in the form of a role. With 106 members, the co-operative is a great place to learn new skills! There are chances for business training, practical skills training, the chance to lead workshops and learn organisational skills and about processes like consensus decision-making.

We organise our work horizontally (i.e. we strive to eliminate hierarchies) in Working Groups (WGs) with various roles. Each WG meets once a week; proposals from WGs are brought to a bi-weekly General Meeting (GM) for wider co-op discussion and approval. The Working Groups are:

Places

Putting the ‘operation’ in ‘co-operation’. Find out in this WG why the building looks as good as it does and how all the appliances are still working. If you’re good with your hands or keen to learn, this is for you.

Procedures

All things legal and administrative are taken care of by this WG. Logistical stuff is your talent? Then this could be the WG of your dreams.

Finance

Money money money! The Finance WG makes sure we’ve got the bucks to continue existing and flourishing, and that bills are paid on time. Artfully balancing budget sheets and dealing with invoices is your thing? You’ll fit right in here.

Participation

This WG is pretty self-reflective and addresses the democratic structures of the co-op to help make getting involved and having your voice heard more effective. If equality ticks your box, get to this WG.

People

This group deals with all things social and community orientated. From outreach to parties, and event planning to documenting our lives. If people and their welfare are your jam, this is the WG for you.

Welfare

Conflict resolution, upholding the Safer Spaces Policy and supporting members is their realm. So if you’re concerned for the welfare of others and have a knack for mediation and peer-counselling, Welfare WG might be your place.

Principle 6

The obscure name for this group comes from the 6th of the 7 cooperative principles: cooperation among cooperatives. The members in this group are in touch with our umbrella organisations – Student Coop Homes (SCH) and Students for Cooperation (SfC) – to contribute to the wider coop movement. Keen on more housing coops elsewhere? This is the working group for you!