Co-op Values & Rules
We are registered as a Co-operative Society/Community Benefit Society (FCA registration number 32148R). This means we abide by rules which are set out in our registration and include:
• All Members have one vote regardless of how many shares they hold
• The Board is elected by the Members
• No Member, except another registered Society, may hold more than 100,000 Shares
• Only Members are eligible for the Board
You can read our rules here: Four Winds Co-operative Ltd Rules
We are guided by the co-operative principles set out by the International Co-operative Alliance:
Voluntary & Open Membership
Our co-op is owned by it's members and steered by a voluntary board of directors. Anyone can become a member.
Democratic Member Control
We run on a 1 member 1 vote policy, so someone who has invested £100 has the same rights as someone who has invested £1000.
Economic Participation
Members invested to become a member of Four Winds, giving them the right to help direct the co-operative.
Autonomy & Independence
We are autonomous, operating as an independent businesses under the control of our members and a board elected by its members. We are supported by community energy specialists Energy4All, but we are an independent organisation.
Education, Training & Information
For many years now our community fund has given grants to local environmental and sustainability schemes, to help them with initiatives like switching to LED lightbulbs, draughtproofing, and supporting energy advice and climate action groups.
Co-operation Among Co-operatives
We are part of the Energy4All network along with more than 30 other co-operatives who we can learn from and share resources with.
Concern For Community
Owning renewable technology gives people in our local area a real stake in the clean energy transition. It goes further than community fund payments alone, as members can help steer the direction of the co-operative and directly reap the benefits from the success of energy generation.