News

We are looking for a Co-operative Developer

In collaboration with Preston City Council, PCDN has developed a programme of activities which requires an experienced cooperative practitioner with good knowledge of the cooperative sector in the Northwest and strong communication skills to inspire interest and enthusiasm in cooperative enterprise.

Duration, location and contract rate 

This role is part time (2-3 days per week) over a period of 12 months. We can be flexible with the right candidate (i.e. number of days, hours, etc). PCDN does not have an office so the successful candidate will be expected to work remotely and on site when meeting groups of co-operators/organisations.

We envisage contracting with a freelancer at a day rate between £200 and £250 per 7-hour day.

Main Duties and Responsibilities.

  1. To support the Board of Preston Co-operative Development Network (PCDN) to broaden understanding of the co-operative economy and emerging opportunities (food growing hubs, recycling, bike repair and courier delivery services, social and health care and green energy) through a series of six online webinars or equivalent;
  2. Co-develop an online standalone resource introducing opportunities for starting and joining co-operative enterprises
  3. Co-develop with PCDN and the Lancashire Careers Hub a short introduction to co-operatives for use by and discussion with young people
  4. Co-develop with PCDN and other such as Lancashire Business Advisory Services an introductory module on co-operatives/employee owned businesses
  5. Define and deliver/coordinate the PCDN membership offer (events and study visits)
  6. Manage the PCDN membership ensuring that members register is accurate/up to date, that members are notified by newsletter or other appropriate means of PCDN and other events, publications, etc
  7. To organise networking events for co-ops, members and other stakeholders on areas of interest
  8. Provide initial ad hoc advice on request (and up to an agreed threshold) on getting started as a cooperative to groups of interested individuals.

Person Specification.

Essential

  1. Aware of and committed to co-operative
  2. Knowledge of co-operatives and community
  3. Commercially
  4. Experience of organising
  5. A well-motivated self-starter, willing to work in a flexible manner and experience of managing own workload and prioritising.
  6. Good communication and IT
  7. Ability to write reports and the confidence to present to audiences online and face to face
  8. Demonstrable partnership working and networking
  9. Commitment to and understanding of equal

Desirable

  1. Experience of supporting and advising co-operatives and community
  2. Business development knowledge/experience.
  3. Experience of the community development approach.
  4. Experience of undertaking research and writing
  5. Knowledge of the various legal structures available to co-operative and community-owned
  6. Knowledge of equal opportunities
  7. Experience of securing and delivering consultancy contracts and/or grant

Please respond with a letter and CV indicating how you satisfy the essential/desirable criteria to Dr Gaynor Wood, Chair of Preston Co-operative Development Network: gaynorwood60@hotmail.com by 17:00 on 16th September, 2022.