Description

Both presenters will suggest how the practice of sociocracy bridges well to core cooperative
values. In turn, Andy and Mark will give a flyover of the sociocracy and cooperative landscapes.
Andy will describe the essentials of working in circles, using consent, and learning by doing.
He will tell how sociocracy balances equivalence — every voice matters — and
effectiveness — we get things done. Mark will give a brief overview of what a cooperative is,
the many different types of cooperative, and why sociocracy makes for excellent co-op
governance.

Bio

Andy Grant is a certified sociocracy facilitator with a passion for healthy food access. In the last decade, he was involved in the startup of Just Roots, a community farm and food justice nonprofit. He also served on the board of his local food co-op. Currently, he is a sociocracy coach for the community-driven Hampshire County Food Policy Council in western Massachusetts. 

Mark is an experienced co-operative business and governance advisor. Mark is a member of the SoFA Co-op Circle, sits on the Board of Co-operatives UK and chairs the UK Co-operative Development Forum.

Based in West Yorkshire, Mark is also the founder of several co-operative and community enterprises including his local pub The Fox and Goose in Hebden Bridge.