Author | Co-operator | Lawyer
Ian Adderley
Ian is a chartered secretary, former regulator, and activist in the co-operative movement. He is the author of Co-operatives: Linking Practice and Theory.
“Ian is one of those rare people who can move comfortably between legal theory, practical regulation, and the everyday realities of cooperative business. ... [The book is] an insightful and accessible book for anyone interested in understanding cooperatives beyond slogans or clichés.”
International Co-operative Alliance, podcast interview.“The book acts both as a portrait of co-operatives in all their variety and a synthesis of research knowledge and practical expertise. It will be a valuable resource for everyone who wants to learn more about the co-operative advantage.”
Dr Anita Mangan, Editor of the Journal of Co-operative Studies“…anyone interested in cooperatives, and wishing to gain an overview of the related debates, should read this book. It is bound to appear in all the major bibliographies…this book is indispensable for anyone who studies or works with cooperatives.”
Professor David Hiez, International Journal of Cooperative Law“A clearly written and well set-out introduction to the movement which will also be of use to those more seasoned in the world of co-ops.”
Miles Hadfield, Co-operative News“This is a compelling read for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and anyone curious about the unique dynamics of co-operative models.”
Co-operative Alternatives“An essential read for professionals, researchers, and change makers in the co-op space.”
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada“A valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, practitioners, any anyone interested in the Social and Solidarity Economy.”
RIPESS Europe
Invite as a speakerIan is happy to deliver talks or lectures on the book, or subjects from it, and to help students through research interviews.
About the bookWhat are co-operatives, and why do they exist? What's the difference between a co-operative and an investor-owned firm, or between a co-operative and social enterprise? Do co-operatives work, and are they political?Policymakers, researchers, and practitioners looking to expand their understanding of co-operative forms and structures, and the broader co-operative movement, will find answers to these questions and more.Chapters cover co-operative identity, history, the current landscape, governance, law, finance, economics, ideology, politics, religion, education, and social responsibility.ISBNs
Paperback: 978-1-0684465-0-4
Hardcover: 978-1-0684465-1-1
eBook: 978-1-0684465-2-8
Who is it for?
People new to co-operatives
Co-operative directors and practitioners
Students and educators
Researchers and academics
Lawyers and governance professionals
Policy makers and public bodies
The book has been cited in reviews by the Law Commission, including in their final report on Friendly Societies, and a review on Co-operatives. The work has also been referenced by the UK Business Department in their call for evidence on co-operatives. The book has also featured in the work of think tanks, like the Jean Jaurès Foundation in France, in their report on co-operation as a political force.
More about the authorIan works as the Secretary of a consumer co-operative in the UK. Before this, he spent 13 years working at the Financial Conduct Authority, leading their work as the registering authority for mutual societies - including co-operatives and credit unions.His background is in law, having been called to the Bar in 2010, and qualified as a Chartered Secretary. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute.For 5 years, he chaired the UK Society for Co-operative Studies, where he remains a trustee. He was previously the Vice Chair of the Co-operative Heritage Trust.
Media
