Can current accounting frameworks capture what makes co-operatives different?
This is the question at a hybrid (in-person and online) event organised by the UK Co-operative SORP Stakeholder Panel to be held on Thursday, July 3 - 12:30 - 2pm GMT+1
Despite their growing contribution to the UK economy, co-operatives continue to be underserved by existing accounting standards, which remain largely oriented toward investor-led models. Following on from previous discussions around the need for change, this session brings together researchers, practitioners, and policy influencers to share insights from recent work on co-operative accounting in practice. We will examine how current standards and reporting practices affect co-operative operations and consider what a more enabling accounting environment might look like—one that better supports the growth and resilience of the sector. The session will also explore how these insights can inform future policy development, including the potential for a UK-specific Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for co-operatives.
To join in this important discussion shaping the future of co-operative accounting in the UK - see links below.
3 July 2025, 12.30-2.00 PM (UK time) | Holyoake House, Manchester & Online (Hybrid)
UK Co-operative SORP Stakeholder Panel:
Ian Adderley, Financial Conduct Authority, UK
Jaime Boswell, Fair Tax Foundation, UK
Ruth Buchanan, Head of Finance, Co-operatives UK, UK
Elisavet Mantzari, University of Birmingham, UK
Maureen McCulloch, University of Birmingham, UK/St. Mary’s University, Canada
Daphne Rixon, CEARC, Saint Mary’s University, Canada o
Abbas Shapuri, Third Sector Accountancy, UK
Vivian Woodell, The Midcounties Co-operative, UK
