# Welcome
Everything you need to know about being part of Signalise Co-op...
In this online book there is information about:
* Signalise Co-op
* the 7 co-op principles and [what they mean for us](/co-op-values-and-principles)
* the information members, employees, managers and directors need to know about the co-op:
* the main legal document that governs what we do - the [Rules](/rules-bylaws/rules)
* how the co-op is run - the [Bylaws](/rules-bylaws/bylaws)
* [membership](/rules-bylaws/members)
* members' [commitment](/rules-bylaws/members/members-commitment)
* members' [code of conduct](/rules-bylaws/members/code-of-conduct)
* [voting](/rules-bylaws/voting)
* [meetings](/rules-bylaws/meetings)
* the [people involved](/people)
* a collection of [questions about the co-op](/faqs)
* [resources](/resources) for further information
# Background
Why a co-op?
{% embed url="" %}
The history of interpreting in the UK over the last ten years has meant more agencies providing interpreting and other services for Deaf people. Many of these are spoken language agencies, who have no knowledge of British Sign Language (BSL), Deaf people or their needs. Often complaints are not listened to, and change or improvements are too slow. Deaf people have less choice and control over the services they receive.
Deaf people and interpreters experience many problems with agencies but if we worked together these could be solved.
Our aim is to have a user-led organisation where we talk to each other and make sure services work for all users: Deaf people, professionals and organisations that need to book interpreters such as hospitals, banks and people who run events.
We also need to be a viable business that brings in profits to support the [purpose and mission](/rules-bylaws/purpose) of the co-op.
It is important that interpreters have support and training and that Deaf people have a say in how interpreting services are run and delivered. That way we can make sure that experienced and valued interpreters stay in the profession and that Deaf people's access is safeguarded for the future.
# Structure of the Co-op
Our legal structure is a Co-operative Society.
{% embed url="" %}
Our legal structure is a Co-operative Society.
We are a multi-stakeholder co-operative. This means we have several categories of membership and work together to make sure all voices are being heard and that no one group has more power than any other.
There is an elected Board of Directors. Some decisions are delegated to them.
There are three categories of membership:
* User members (Deaf people)
* Worker members (communication professionals including interpreters, lipspeakers, translators, Deafblind interpreters...)
* Investor members
Any decisions that will have consequences should be discussed and voted on by the membership.
# Co-op Values & Principles
And what do these mean for us...
{% embed url="" %}
This is what those 7 co-op principles mean for Signalise Co-op:
**Open Voluntary Membership:**
Membership is voluntary and is non-discriminatory. We are open to all persons able to use or supply our services, who fit the eligibility criteria and are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.
**Democratic Control:**
Signalise is a democratic organisation controlled by its members who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Any elected representatives are accountable to the membership. Members have equal voting rights: one member, one vote, regardless of any financial investment made into the co-operative.
**Member Economic Participation:**
Signalise has a strong commitment to the Deaf and Interpreting community by offering choice and value for money. Members allocate surpluses for the following purposes: developing the co-operative, setting up reserves, benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative and supporting other activities approved by the membership. contribute to, and democratically control the financial resources of their co-operative.
**Autonomy and Independence:**
Signalise functions for the autonomy and independence of BSL interpreting services, for the professionals who provide these services and the community that receives them.
**Continuous Education:**
Our members will work together to educate and promote a model service that is mutually beneficial to all. We will provide education so that our members, elected representatives, managers, and employees can contribute effectively to the development of the co-operative and the general public will better understand co-operatives.
**Co-operation amongst Co-operatives:**
Signalise is committed to strengthening the organisation and the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
**Concern for Community:**
Signalise is committed to the Deaf and Interpreting community and we will work for the sustainable development of our community through policies accepted by our members.
# Rules & Bylaws
The legal documents that tell us how we run the co-op...
{% embed url="" %}
Companies have Articles of Association when they register with Companies House. Co-operative have Rules instead.
Both Companies and Co-operatives have Bylaws to explain how their organisation is run. In Co-operatives, they are also known as Secondary Rules.
To become incorporated, co-operatives register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Signalise can be found on the [FCA portal](https://mutuals.fca.org.uk/Search/Society/30480).
The Rules are a legal document.
You do not need to read and understand all of the Rules and Bylaws.
However, to get the best out of your membership it is a good idea to understand:
* the [purpose and mission](/rules-bylaws/purpose) of Signalise
* the [members' commitment](/rules-bylaws/members/members-commitment) and [code of conduct](/rules-bylaws/members/code-of-conduct)
* how we [discuss business](/rules-bylaws/circles)
* how we make decisions and [voting](/rules-bylaws/voting)
* when and how we hold meetings
# Rules
Just what are these Rules?
The Rules are a legal document. You can download the full Rules below.
{% file src="/files/b2ZA3tY4udU8DVzR2ykr" %}
We know! They are long. That's because they are a legal document so they have to be.
We've picked out the important parts of the Rules and the Bylaws in the following sections.
# Bylaws
An intro to the bylaws...
A full copy of the current Bylaws is below.
{% file src="/files/-MTNWNZV5ndscGsyg8uY" %}
Signalise Co-op Bylaws Dec 2020
{% endfile %}
The bylaws are much easier to understand. We wrote these with our members input and they were voted on and approved at a members meeting.
They contain more detailed information about:
* our [purpose and mission](/rules-bylaws/purpose)
* [membership criteria](/rules-bylaws/members/eligibility)
* how we [behave](/rules-bylaws/members/code-of-conduct)
* how we [meet](/rules-bylaws/meetings)
* how we [decide](/rules-bylaws/voting)
* how we [allocate profits](/rules-bylaws/finances)
Read on for more info...
# Purpose and Mission
What are we all doing here...
{% embed url="" %}
The Rules and Bylaws say...
### Section 1: Purpose
> 1\. The objects of the Co-operative shall be to carry on the business as a co-operative and to carry on any other trade, business or service and in particular by delivering a fair, ethical, co-owned sign language interpreter, translator and communication professional delivery service that empowers all users and workers of the Co-operative and increases the standards of the interpreting profession. The Co-operative may carry on any other trade, business or service as the Members deem fit.
### Section 2: Mission
> 1\. The mission of Signalise Co-op is to provide excellent interpreting standards for a sustainable, ethical wage, whilst protecting the future of BSL services for all.
> 2\. We will provide a new ethical model of service delivery via an online platform for booking BSL/English interpreters and translators, lipspeakers, deafblind interpreters and other communication professionals; which services the needs of users, both front-line professionals and Deaf people.
> 3\. Our aim and our ethos is to be, wherever possible, a local service for local organisations and people, keeping profits within a region to be used for the benefit of the professionals and Deaf community of that region.
# Members
{% embed url="" %}
On the following pages, there is all the important information about membership such as:
* [who can become a member and how](/rules-bylaws/members/eligibility)
* our [commitment](/rules-bylaws/members/members-commitment) as members
* our own [code of conduct](/rules-bylaws/members/code-of-conduct)
* how we aim to maintain [equity](/rules-bylaws/members/...)
# Eligibility Criteria
If someone wants to become a member... ask them to email
**Worker Members’ Eligibility Criteria:**
1. Eligibility Criteria for worker members is limited to individuals who are regulated by NRCPD/RBSLI/ITI/SRLDPC and as a prerequisite of that registration hold:
(a) a certificate of professional indemnity insurance.
(b) a current DBS enhanced certificate.
(c) not have any current sanction or suspension within their registration.
For business purposes trade as:
(a) a sole trader.
(b) Limited Company where the director is the sole interpreter and does not operate as an agent to procure employment for other interpreters.
2. Newly appointed workers, whether they are employees, freelance or volunteers, must:
(a) Complete the probationary period defined in their Signalise Co-op contract or agreement.
(b) Satisfy any membership eligibility criteria defined in their Signalise Co-op contract or agreement.
(c) Complete a short application form to become a Worker Member.
(d) Agree to the Members' Commitment.
**User Members**
1. To become a User member you:
(a) Are Deaf, Deafblind or Hard of Hearing.
(b) Are a user of interpreting services or other communication professionals for Deaf people.
(c) Agree to the Members' Commitment.
**Investor Members**
1. To become an Investor Member you:
(a) Invest during a Signalise Care Co-op Community Share Offer. The terms and conditions of your investment are defined by the Share Offer documents. You stop being an Investor Member if you withdraw the full value of your investment.
(b) Agree to the Members' Commitment.
# Members' Commitment
{% embed url="" %}
What the bylaws say...
> Members’ Commitment
>
> Upon becoming a Member of any category, you agree to honour the Members’ Commitment:
>
> (a) To support the vision and work of Signalise Co-op
>
> (b) Adhere to the seven co-operative principles of voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training and information, co-operation among co-operatives, concern for the community.
>
> (c) To actively participate in the success of the co-operative and support the co-op to safeguard its future.
>
> (d) Attend a minimum of two meetings per year and, if a Worker member, accept a minimum of two assignments per year.
>
> (e) Treat all members with respect ensuring all colleagues and members are treated with dignity and listened to.
>
> (f) Not to bring the co-operative into disrepute by behaving in a way for one's sole benefit rather than the benefit of the co-operative. This includes poaching clients or any other coercive behaviour.
>
> (g) Not sharing or disclosing information about the co-operative’s commercial business with external agencies/non-members.
>
> (h) To abide by the members’ [Code of Conduct](/rules-bylaws/members/code-of-conduct) as detailed below.
# Members' Code of Conduct
{% embed url="" %}
What the bylaws say...
> Code of Conduct for all Member Categories
>
> (a) To conduct one's behaviour in a business-like manner, offering respect in a non-threatening and non-intimidatory way.
>
> (b) Abstain from any discriminatory comments.
>
> (c) Agree to disagree in a principled way that does not prevent or hinder the majority vote.
>
> (d) Disclose any conflict of interest or relationship that would bring the member into competition with or is detrimental to Signalise Co-op.
>
> (e) We expect all Worker Members to adhere to their regulatory code of conduct. If there are any additional concerns raised, this will be reviewed by the board.
# Equity
Keeping the co-op fair and equal
{% embed url="" %}
This video is not an official translation but a summary for board members while we develop formal translations.
{% endembed %}
Interpreters do much of the day-to-day work of the co-op. We want to ensure that they don't have more power in the co-operative than our user members. To ensure the views of all members are heard, we will:
(a) Have a separate user members’ circle
(b) Encourage more member participation from that circle
(c) Have representatives that can be part of both circles using double-linking Sociocratic principles so the lines of communication are kept open between all groups
(d) Have a purpose circle where both a worker member and a user member are present to ensure all voices are heard.
Any decisions that may negatively affect the other members’ circle i.e. decisions made by the user members group or by the worker member group, can be agreed in principle then taken to the general members’ circle for a final decision.
# Circles
What are they or rather WHO are they?
{% embed url="" %}
This video is not an official translation but a summary for board members while we develop formal translations.
{% endembed %}
We use [Sociocracy](https://www.sociocracyforall.org/) for our structure and decision-making. Sociocracy is a way of discussing and making decisions so that everyone can have their say.
Circles are groups of people who participate in the running of the Co-op. We have different circles to represent different membership categories (User Member circle, Worker Member circle) and the Board (Purpose circle).
Circles have their own meetings. We can also decide to set up different circles to work on different aspects of the co-op (e.g. CPD circle, Marketing circle). We aim to have double linking to ensure that all groups are aware of what the others discuss.
We do not want anyone to get left behind.
# Meetings
When, who, why, what, how\...
{% embed url="" %}
Circle meetings or meetings of circles!
### **Why?**
The bylaws say...
> Members make the most important decisions and any decisions which have a consequence for the co-op are decided by the members. Some decision making is delegated to the Directors, Circles and Leaders of areas of work. Membership of the co-op means you have voting rights, have a say in what is done and how work happens. You can be involved in shaping the work and the direction of the Co-op.
### Who?
Sometimes we have user members' circle meetings (Deaf people), sometimes we need to have worker members' circle meetings and the board also meets in their purpose circle. When everyone comes together, that is a general members' circle meeting.
What the bylaws say...
> Membership meetings should always have at least one Board Member present to attend as a Delegate.
Why? So the board member can keep people informed and also take notes back to the board so channels of communication are open.
### When?
What the bylaws say...
> 1. The Co-operative has two types of general meetings. The annual general meeting plus the general members meetings, of which it must hold a minimum of three per year.
> 2. The Co-op also has Circle meetings where different types of members can come together to discuss business that is relevant to them.
### What?
The Circle Lead can work with its Circle members to form agendas and points for discussion or the board may create an agenda.
Any member can make a suggestion for the agenda or put forward a proposal to be discussed and voted on. Proposals can also be suggested throughout the meeting.
### How?
Due to the pandemic, all meetings are currently online via Zoom. We plan to hold more face to face when we can.
# Voting
Hands up!
{% embed url="" %}
What the bylaws say...
> 1. In accordance with the Co-operative Principle of democratic member control, each Member shall have one vote on any resolution to be decided in general meeting.
Co-op principles say one member, one vote. This means that (unlike a company) every member gets an equal vote. It doesn't matter how much investment you have you will always have an equal say like everyone else.
> 1. There are two main types of votes:
>
> (a) Extraordinary Resolution which requires a 75% majority of those present.
>
> (b) Ordinary Resolution which requires a simple majority (i.e. 51% or more)
Some votes are very important and need a majority of 75%. This could be a decision to change the rules or bylaws. Most voting needs a simple majority to pass.
> 1. Investor Members shall not have no more than 10% share of the voting strength on any Extraordinary or Ordinary resolution. This includes the election of Directors to the board.
For any decisions, investors cannot have more power than other members. For the total number of investors, they get 10% share of the total vote
# Directors
What the bylaws say about who should be the directors...
> 1. The Board of Directors has between 3 and 12 Directors.
> 2. (Rule 74) The Board of Directors shall be elected by and from the Co-operative’s Members. In these elections the votes of non-user investor Members shall count for 10% of the total votes cast. The composition of the Board of Directors following the first annual general meeting shall be as follows:
>
> (a) Not more than Five User Members;
>
> (b) Not more than Five Worker Members;
>
> (c) Not more than Two Investor Members.
> 3. (Rule 75) The Board of Directors shall endeavour to ensure that its composition reflects the number of Members in each category, to maintain a representative balance. This shall be reviewed by the Directors from time to time.
What the bylaws say about their duties...
> The business of the Co-operative shall be managed by the Board who may exercise all such powers of the Co-operative as may be exercised and done by the Co-operative and as are not by statute or by these Rules required to be exercised or done by the Co-operative in general meeting.
# Finances
{% embed url="" %}
This video is not an official translation but a summary for board members while we develop formal translations.
{% endembed %}
What the bylaws say:
> ...any profits of the Co-operative shall be used for the following reasons and apportioned as agreed by Members at the annual general meeting:
>
> (a) To a general reserve for the continuation and development of the Co-operative;
>
> (b) To paying dividends to Members
>
> (c) To making payment for social, co-operative or community purposes within the community served by the Co-operative.
The board has to decide before every annual general meeting, what any profits could be spent on.
The bylaws say funds should be put into reserves (to make sure the co-op can survive in an emergency) or put into social, co-op or community purposes first before any profits are paid to members.
# The people involved
More info on the people in the co-op...
This section has information on:
* current [membership numbers](/people/membership-numbers)
* [directors' profiles](/people/directors-profiles)
* [employees and management](/people/employees-and-management)
# Membership Numbers
Who are they?
On 20th August 2026, there were 472 members in total:
* 123 User members
* 163 Worker members
* 186 Investor members (including 2 organisations)
This page will be updated regularly. If we haven't updated it, please give us a nudge at .
# Board of Directors
**User Members (up to 5):**
Katie Mowat \
Dan Birtles
**Worker Members (up to 5):**
Wes Mehaffy \
Jen Bird
**Investor Members (up to 2):**
Samantha Riddle\
Mariella Reina
**Co-opted Directors:**
Andy Smith
***
All of the Directors oversee the running of the cooperative and are responsible for representing the views of all members.
The Board can be contacted on .
# Directors' profiles
Who are the current directors?
**Jen Bird** was an interpreter for 16 years and comes from a Deaf family. Three years ago, she completed a highly competitive Google scholarship leading to a qualification in Front End Web Development. She has worked on many business websites including for e-commerce and has experience of working in teams of Developers. She was previously part of a tech start-up trying to create a booking platform for interpreters and has learnt from that experience. She was the first Chair of NUBSLI and her speciality was looking over government contracts and taking part in consultations. As part of her Voluntary Service Overseas placement, she gained $10m in funding from the Indian Government which was used to set up the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre.
{% embed url="" %}
**Wes Mehaffy** has a Masters in Web Design & Content Planning and seven years of experience in developing business websites and platforms. He has a thorough understanding of how to take web projects from start through to completion. He has led the planning for the initial phase of the platform and the user experience work. He has been an interpreter for over 16 years.
{% embed url="" %}
**Katie Mowat** has been Deaf since birth and involved in the Deaf Community for a long time. She presently works in the field of Mental Health with Deaf people and has done so for over 20 years. She has great understanding and insight about Deaf people, accessibility and communication within the public sector, and has been involved with different organisations regarding the matter (including the Scottish Government).
**Samantha Riddle** is a Registered Sign Language Interpreter who moved to the North West 4 years ago. She has a strong passion for activism and social justice. She graduated from the European Master's of Sign Language Interpreting in 2019 after she wrote her thesis on Industrial Relations and Deaf Communities where she concluded that Sign Language Interpreting co-ops were a viable mechanism to challenge the negative impact that huge spoken language agencies are having on our profession and the people we work with.
**Mariella Reina** qualified as an interpreter in 2008. After 4 years working in house for RAD she became freelance in 2012. She has always been passionate about supporting the interpreting profession to provide high standards of service for the deaf community. This has led her to take voluntary roles in ASLI and the inaugural NUBSLI committee. Mariella also trained to become a professional supervisor and has been supervising interpreters supporting their growth, development, and resilience for the past 5 years. Signalise really excites her as a truly progressive step towards achieving more equity for deaf people and she is keen to offer her experience to the board.
**Dan Birtles** has previous experience as the Head of IT at Co-operatives UK and distinctly remember the launch of Signalise. In his current role, he serves as the Director of Digital and IT for Career Connect, a charity headquartered in Liverpool. He's an experienced senior leader with the ability to implement IT solutions and ensure IT Infrastructure is secure, reliable, fit for purpose and evolves with an organisation’s needs. Dan enjoys working with peers to identify and advise on new cutting-edge solutions that can improve productivity. Ensuring all relevant risks around information infrastructure are documented and managed appropriately.
**Andy Smith (co-opted)** has skills in finance to support scrutiny of the co-op’s finances. He runs an accountancy business, especially for interpreters. He is also married to a sign language interpreter and lives in Cheshire.
***
Videos to follow soon.
# Employees and Management
Who does what?
We have a mix of employees and long-term contractors. Currently, we have:
#### **Jen Bird (director and employee) - Business and Development Manager:**
Oversees governance, strategy, platform development and financing. Also works on coordination of the Communication Service, is Head of Interpreting and is the Data Protection Lead.
**Bio:** is a geek, likes to code and play around with anything techy. Has 2 kids, Alex: 9 and Jake: 6. Likes to go for a walk in the woods, swimming, dinner with friends and enjoys singing in the local pop choir. When time, she likes yoga, the occasional run and watching films with her partner, Phil.
#### **Mercedes Rodriguez (employee) - Business Administrator:**
Works on governance, strategy, finance and administration.
**Bio:** an artist at heart, Mercedes would spend most of their time at the piano, painting watercolours and crocheting if they could... and so they do! They also spend much of their week dancing, be that at home or with friends.
#### **Olive Lycett (employee) - Outreach and Membership Worker:**
Works on outreach with the wider Deaf community and supports membership involvement.
**Bio:** Olive is a born and bred Londoner - moved to Northampshire but it did not gel well with her so uprooted and moved to the Wirral. Loving the life here overlooking Wales! Doing up my new home - it is taking a lot of my time. I otherwise love to be creative with craft when I can! Interesting Fact - I was one of the Torch Bearers for the London Olympics 2012!
#### **Julie Connolly (employee) - Operations Manager:**
Oversees the Communication Service and operations.
**Bio:** Lived in Liverpool most of my life apart from spells living in Germany and York. Loves to be organised, has a husband, grown up daughter and son and their partners, 3 grandsons and 3 step grandchildren. Likes to spend time by the river, can knit, interested in ancestry. Hates ironing.
#### **Romy Bishop (employee) - Operations Team Leader:**
Leads operations, supports the running of the Communication Service and works closely with Communication Professionals including the Worker Members.
**Bio:** Romy grew up on the South coast and lived in Sheffield for six years, where she studied International Relations and Politics at University and worked in Customer Services. Alongside her role, she was also involved in raising awareness for Mental Health issues and ran events and fundraisers for Mental Health charities. In her spare time, she loves walking along the beach, learning to cook new recipes, and drawing.
#### **Day Lloyd (employee) - Bookings Administrator:**
Works on operations, supports the running of the Communication Service and works closely with Communication Professionals including the Worker Members.
**Bio:** Day lives in Liverpool with his wife, their son, 7yrs, and their two dogs; Sid & Bella. Before laying down a foundation for a family in Liverpool, Day studied Sociology at London Metropolitan Uni. Where he completed his Dissertation on Homelessness. During this time Day worked at Wembley Stadium & Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.
#### Tom Crush **(employee) - Bookings Administrator:**
Works on operations, supports the running of the Communication Service and works closely with Communication Professionals including the Worker Members.
**Bio:** Tom lives in Kent with his partner, Romy, and their two cats, Misha & Juniper. After living in London for nearly a decade, he has returned to the area where he grew up to be closer to his family, friends and the lovely countryside where he enjoys hiking on the weekends. He is also a keen fan of motorsports and all things tech.
#### Amanda Freeman **(employee) -** Senior Finance Administrator:
Leads on all things finance.
**Bio:** Lived all my life in Merseyside. Love to travel and socialise with family and friends. Music is my passion and I love going to concerts and local music events.
#### **Wes Mehaffy (director and contractor):**
Supports IT, security, platform development, UX (user experience), online training development and all things tech and digital.
#### **Tech partners:**
We work with external contractors on the booking platform, the video interpreting app, our CRM integrations and our data app.
# Board Director - role and responsibilities
Taken from the Board Handbook and Co-ops UK resources
### **The Role of the Board**
In general, the Board's role is:
* To set the values, ethics and culture of the organisation
* To set the strategy and direction
* To provide accountable leadership
* To oversee business performance
* To determine and direct the organisation’s risk
* To oversee the management team
* To ensure compliance with rules and statutory requirements
* To set policies and procedures and oversee their implementation
* To be accountable to members
* To vet new board members
The Committee is not there to:
* To become involved in day-to-day management
* To represent other roles ie personal business, job role, interest group etc. People are there to represent interests of the coop alone
### **The Role of a Board member**
There is no formal job description for a Board member, but it includes:
* Providing your attention and commitment
* Challenging other board members and staff
* Being able to represent the membership – as a whole
* Having a basic standard of financial literacy
* Having good people skills – being part of a team
* Being able to listen, reflect and when required make difficult decisions
* Valuing different types and levels of commitment
* Being honest and open
* Showing accountability and transparency
* Accepting majority board decisions – even when disagreeing
* Bringing life experience and skills from outside
* Being patient and persistent
The Signalise Co-op Board welcomes people with all kinds of skills, experiences and backgrounds.
### **Board member responsibilities**
Signalise Co-op will provide training on Board on legal responsibilities.
The legal responsibilities of a Board member are laid down in Society Law and Company Director Law also applies to Board members.
#### **Society law on directors**
* Obey the law
* Duty of good faith
* Duty to take care
#### **Company duties – in Company Law**
* Duty to act within powers
* To promote the success of company
* Duty to exercise independent judgment
* Duty to exhibit reasonable skill, care and intelligence
* Duty to avoid conflicts of interest
* Do not accept benefits from third parties
* Duty to declare interest in proposed transactions with company
If you want to become a Director of Signalise Co-op, please complete the [Expression of Interest form](https://forms.gle/jciVPojpcd1f5dGP8).
Information taken from Co-op UK resources, our Board Handbook and Carbon Co-op's [Committee Member Roles and Responsibilities](https://carbon.coop/community-benefit-society-board-members-roles-and-responsibilities/).
# Our Organisation Chart
Updated June 2026
# Reports for members
We will upload reports here of membership surveys, AGM minutes and accounts on the following pages:
[Survey reports](/reports-for-members/survey-reports)
[AGM and Accounts](/reports-for-members/agm-and-accounts)
# Survey Reports
A place for reports from membership surveys
{% file src="/files/7ebGVRFjXf8TMsa5Jkqh" %}
{% file src="/files/pgz4TPI0lnsZI34qsjpS" %}
# AGM and Accounts
A place for AGM reports and accounts
**2024/2025:**
{% file src="/files/LNhKMQsNCysCh7qn0PrQ" %}
{% file src="/files/mjt25roH2il6zZkAhY2R" %}
**2023/2024:**
{% file src="/files/ioFhcOtcBw2L8Pfy1yP3" %}
{% file src="/files/hZOSMxwRGDw5ivVNtI4w" %}
{% file src="/files/lKPXFR7S1diMC6hGGTcL" %}
{% file src="/files/S7PyMzM0soTQ1jbBEyYx" %}
**2022/2023:**
{% file src="/files/kx6CNewLJNjHu0M000dF" %}
{% file src="/files/wdEHAOCVBa1dKLl5NQS6" %}
{% file src="/files/Ikn7dXPshWiNmEHHyVao" %}
{% file src="/files/O2MvkySoXDEDHRwa9u0K" %}
{% file src="/files/ty8gQ2QCIdnvM2kRXJgL" %}
**2021/2022:**
{% file src="/files/lQSWqVqotNnmCC5yeA4W" %}
{% file src="/files/ob80Edv7HTDaoouSklKU" %}
{% file src="/files/piTRuuLAj0USw9vM2ht2" %}
**2020/2021:**
{% file src="/files/f7QoEDsjkGTGxI8jBUos" %}
{% file src="/files/LM7sVlG9wBvtbE9LrC0G" %}
{% file src="/files/HuLpseqa6yvTKi6aIR9s" %}
**2019/2020:**
{% file src="/files/Cig4vPom3hSJkQeGVWEx" %}
{% file src="/files/czmknlWBXnx650JM4Po5" %}
**Initial General Meeting:**
{% file src="/files/8qCpMVaZwesgvDlja2Yn" %}
\
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# FAQs
A place to collect questions and answers... please ask away!
If you have questions that are not answered here, please send them to , and we can add ones that will help everyone.
### Q: What does it mean to be a shareholder of Signalise Co-op?
A: You are an owner of Signalise Co-op. You get your say in the running of the co-op and how interpreting services are delivered and received. Please see the [Bylaws](/rules-bylaws) for how the co-op is run.
### Q: As a shareholder of Signalise Co-op, would I be liable for any debt?
A: The Rules state the following:
LIABILITY OF MEMBERS
110\. The liability of a Member is limited to the amount of their shareholding.
For current members, this £1.00 was the member share you paid into the co-op to become a shareholder of Signalise Co-op.
### Q: How much is the annual membership fee of the co-op?
A: There isn’t one. There is a £1 membership joining fee, and this is currently a one-off joining fee.
### Q: How much does CPD (continuing professional development) cost?
A: We hold regular members’ meetings which you can use for CPD if this fits with your CPD objectives. An email to confirm attendance is sent out afterwards. These are free.
You can also make proposals or suggestions ([via the form](https://organisation.signalise.coop/suggestions)) for pieces of work in the co-op as an individual or as a group of interpreters, and we can help you evidence this for CPD.
We are working on training and co-op member benefits and welcome members to support this work. We are likely to charge for this currently to help with running costs (e.g. room hire) but aim to keep this in line (or cheaper!) than usual CPD opportunities. We hope to have a CPD budget in future for workers to decide how to spend on CPD.
# Resources
A list of resources about Signalise or Co-ops...
## Signalise Co-op Resources
[CPD on Co-ops, Covid and Interpreting](https://signalise.coop/resources.html)
[Summary version of above CPD in BSL](https://signalise.coop/resources.html) (bottom of page)
[Signing the Right Path Report](https://signalise.coop/assets/Signalise_signing_the_right_path_report_2020.pdf) - August 2020 (responses from surveys done in 2020)
[The Signalise Blog](https://medium.com/signalisecoop) on Medium
## Co-operatives Resources
[Co-operatives UK](https://www.uk.coop/)
[Co-operatives UK resources](https://www.uk.coop/resources)
[Co-ops Welcome Pack](https://www.uk.coop/resources/co-op-welcome-pack)
[Guide to Co-ops](https://www.uk.coop/resources/guide-co-ops)
[International Co-operatives Alliance](https://www.ica.coop/en)
[Community Shares](https://communityshares.org.uk/)
[Sociocracy for All](https://www.sociocracyforall.org/)
[Understanding Cooperative Terminology](https://cooperatives.extension.org/understanding-cooperative-terminology/)
## Platform Co-operatives Resources
We are part of a global movement! Here's why...
[Platform Co-operativism Consortium](https://platform.coop/)
[UnFound](http://unfound.coop/)
[Open Co-op](https://open.coop/)
[Platform Co-op - what it is and isn't](https://www.uk.coop/resources/platform-co-ops-primer-unfound)
## New Economy Resources
[Stir to Action](https://www.stirtoaction.com/)
[New Economics Foundation](https://neweconomics.org/)
## In the media...
[Guardian article on Join the Revolution](https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/best-practice-exchange/co-operative-group-revolution-televised)
[Co-op News](https://www.thenews.coop/uk/)
## Books
[Ours to Hack and Own](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01NC2OZLZ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8\&btkr=1) - Trebor Scholz and Nathan Schneider
[Many Voices, One Song](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Many-Voices-One-Song-Sociocracy-ebook/dp/B07HGKP31K/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1\&keywords=sociocracy\&qid=1613166533\&s=digital-text\&sr=1-3) - Ted J Rau, Jerry Koch-Gonzalez
# Glossary
**Agenda**: A list of items and topics for discussion during a meeting.
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**Annual General Meeting (AGM)**: A yearly meeting to discuss important co-operative matters.
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**Articles of Association**: Legal documents outlining the structure and rules governing a company.
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**Autonomy**: The co-operative's ability to operate independently to achieve its aims.
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**Board Director**: A board member responsible for overseeing the co-operative's management.
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**Board Handbook**: A document outlining guidelines and responsibilities for board members.
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**Board of Directors**: The governing body overseeing the co-operative's operations.
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**Bylaws**: Rules that explain how we run the co-operative and govern operations and decision-making processes.
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**Circle Meetings**: Meetings involving specific groups within the co-operative.
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**Circles**: Alternative word for groups within the co-operative representing different membership categories and functions (e.g. general members, workers, users or purpose circles).
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**Code of Conduct**: Established guidelines and expectations for members' behaviour within the co-operative.
**Co-op**: Short for co-operative, an organisation emphasising cooperation and shared ownership.
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**Co-operatives**: People-centred enterprises owned, controlled and run by and for their members to realise their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations.
**Co-operative Principles**: Guiding principles emphasising democratic member control and one member, one vote.
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**Co-operative Society**: A specific type of co-operative with shared ownership.
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**Co-ops UK**: An organisation or resource related to co-operative businesses in the United Kingdom.
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**Companies House**: Agency for registering companies.
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**Conflict of Interest**: Situations where personal interests conflict with co-operative duties.
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**Decentralised**: Where decision-making authority and resources are dispersed among members or entities rather than centralised in one location or authority (e.g. the board).
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**Democratic Control**: The co-operative is governed by its members, who make the decisions.
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**Directors**: Individuals overseeing and managing specific areas of work within the co-operative.
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**Eligibility Criteria**: Requirements for co-operative membership.
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**Equity**: Money invested in a business by members or investors.
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**Extraordinary Resolution**: A vote requiring a 75% majority to pass, used for important decisions.
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**Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)**: Regulator for financial organisations, including co-operatives, to ensure compliance with financial regulations.
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**General Members Meetings**: Regular meetings of co-operative members to discuss various aspects of co-operative business.
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**Interpreting**: Live translating of spoken language to sign language or vice versa.
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**Investor Members**: Members who have invested in the co-operative.
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**Member Economic Participation**: Members contributing and benefiting economically.
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**Membership**: Being a co-operative member with specific rights and responsibilities.
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**Members**: Individuals or organisations with co-operative rights.
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**Multi-stakeholder Co-operative**: A co-operative with different membership categories.
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**NRCPD**: The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) is a national voluntary regulator of over 1,700 language service professionals.
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**Ordinary Resolution**: A vote requiring a simple majority (51% or more) to pass.
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**Proposal**: A formal suggestion or idea on how we operate presented for discussion and voting during a meeting.
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**Reserves**: Funds set aside for specific purposes, such as financial stability or community initiatives.
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**RBSLI**: The Regulatory Body for Sign Language Interpreters and Translators (RBSLI) is an independent, voluntary regulator.
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**Rules**: The co-operative term for Articles of Association, the comprehensive legal document that guides and explains how we run the co-operative.
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**Secondary Rules**: The rules for the day-to-day governance of how we run the co-operative.
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**Shares**: Members or investors buy shares in a co-operative to become a member.
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**Society Law**: Legal regulations ensuring co-operatives are managed and run properly.
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**Sociocracy**: Where everyone can say what they think and be involved in discussions to make decisions together.
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**Transparency**: Open and honest communication and decision-making.
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**User members**: Deaf individuals in the co-operative.
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**Voting**: The process by which members participate in decision-making.
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**Worker Members**: Communication professionals providing services within the co-operative.
# Suggestions
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This video is not an official translation but a summary for board members while we develop formal translations.
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As a co-op, we all work together with a shared vision to continue to grow Signalise for the benefit of all categories of members, staff, our customers and those in the wider community of Deaf people and interpreters who are or will benefit from Signalise and our ethos.
Do you have a suggestion that will improve work for staff, freelancers or the service we offer to users and customers? Great! You can raise a suggestion at any meeting, or email your manager or anyone within the co-op to talk about your idea.
[Suggestions and proposals form](https://forms.gle/dTyZt24JQraP3ZHp8).
You can also send a BSL video via WhatsApp to [07723469028](tel:07723469028) but please also use the form so we can follow up.
# Structure of the Co-op
Our legal structure is a Co-operative Society.
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# Members
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# Eligibility Criteria
If someone wants to become a member... ask them to email 
