Processes

Our Legal Structure

A Co-operative Society is a business that is owned and controlled by its members and exists primarily to benefit its members. BCG is incorporated and therefore is seen by the law as a person, the benefits of which mean it can enter into contracts. For instance, BCG can buy or rent property or employ people in the name of the co-op.

Incorporation & signed rules pdf.

How we make decisions

Decisions are made at AGMs, GMs, Operations Meetings, Directors' Meetings, and on the discussion platform Loomio.
In meetings, proposals are highlighted in the agenda and during the meeting members can choose to vote in favour, against or abstain. Votes are counted and the majority decides the outcome.

On Loomio, proposals are put forward in 'threads' or discussions. Members can vote on proposals where a discussion is underway. Members have until the deadline indicated on the discussion to cast their vote and everyone has the option to change their position on a subject while the proposal is still open, as people may find that they reconsider their view as they read what others might say.

Below is an example of how the voting on Loomio is displayed.

How we get the jobs done

The nature and urgency of tasks required to be completed within the co-op plays a role in how we approach getting them done.

For example, there are a wide range of jobs that need to be completed regularly in order to keep the co-op running and/or fulfil our legal obligations. These jobs are ranked by priority on this spreadsheet:
Gym Jobs Database  

The majority of these jobs, and some others that are not on the spreadsheet are overseen by the directors. Within the directors are defined roles such as Chair, Treasurer etc. and there is comprehensive list of roles and responsibilities within this Handbook:
Director Roles 

Although it is not necessarily up to one person to complete every task within their role, they do however take on the responsibility of ensuring the job gets done either by doing it themself or by delegating it to another.

In addition to director responsibilities, there are other ad hoc tasks that may need to be completed and these can usually be found on Loomio where members can request help in discussions. People can volunteer to help complete things by adding their name to call-out requests and confirming their availability to assist. In all cases there should be advice on how to complete the task and support from other members. Any concerns over completing jobs should be taken to the person who originally requested help, or asking others within the discussion, who may be able to answer questions or direct you to someone who can. Equally, in certain circumstances this Handbook may offer help if you get stuck.