Written Statement - Membership of the Welsh Co-operative and Mutuals Commission

On the 16th July 2012 I announced the setting up of the Welsh Co-operative and Mutuals Commission (the Commission), under the Chairmanship of Professor Andrew Davies, Swansea University’s Strategic Adviser. The remit of the Commission will be to make recommendations on growing and developing the co-operative and mutual economy in Wales in order to create jobs and wealth in support of the Welsh Government’s aims and ambitions.  

I am now in a position to announce the Members of the Commission, I am delighted that the following have agreed to be Members of the Commission

• Nicholas Bennett, Chief Executive of Community Housing Cymru.
• Dr Molly Scott Cato, Professor of Strategy and Sustainability at Roehampton University
• Dame Pauline Green, President of International Co-operative Alliance
• David Jenkins OBE, Chair of the Aneurin Bevan Health Board and Chair of Wales Co-operative Centre.
• Robin Murray, Industrial and environmental economist
• Dr Ben Reynolds, Director of Trilein
• Sir Paul Williams OBE C.St.J.  D.L, former Chief Executive, NHS Wales

The role of the Commission will be to:

• Consider the evidence for supporting the co-operative and mutual sector in Wales;
• Consider existing business advice for the co-operative and mutual sector and provide suggestions on how this might be strengthened;
• Identify specific areas that might be targeted for additional support by the Welsh Government;
• Consider best practice and evaluations that may be available;
• Set out a vision for the co-operative and mutual economy in Wales;
• Identify and establish benchmarks; and
• Provide suggestions on strategic direction and practical recommendations for the achievement of the vision.

The Commission will hear and gather evidence from key individuals and organisations. The Welsh Co-operatives and Mutuals Commission will hold its first meeting in December 2012. I anticipate receiving the Commission’s draft report in September 2013.