New recommendations shape collaboration across Royal Greenwich
We are proud to introduce our new strategy, Together for Greenwich: Co-operation for the Future. This is the first-of-its-kind for the borough it focuses on solving challenges in social care, community energy, and local economic development through co-operative solutions.
Building on Royal Greenwich’s strong history of co-operation, the council has gathered a set of recommendations aimed at empowering residents, businesses, and stakeholders to shape a sustainable and inclusive future.
The Commission chaired by Lord Steve Bassam of Brighton alongside Councillor Mariam Lolavar has been guided by a team of independent commissioners with expertise in co-operative thinking. They have identified three key priorities for positive change: community energy, co-operative development, and social care.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary said:
"Together for Greenwich is a powerful step towards building a more inclusive, fair, and sustainable future for our borough. By embracing co-operative values, we are putting our communities at the heart of decision-making, ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping the services and opportunities that matter most. These recommendations are not just about policy; it’s about real change led by our residents, that strengthens our local economy and transforms the way we support one another."
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said:
“Co-operatives have a proven track record of creating meaningful jobs, strengthening local economies, and putting people above profit.
“As part of our commitment to growing the co-operative movement in our borough, we are aligning with the government’s ambition to double the size of the UK’s co-operative economy. Through these recommendations, we are ensuring that economic growth benefits everyone, not just a select few."
What is a co-operative?
A co-operative (co-op) is a business that is owned and run by the people who use it or work there. Instead of one person or a big company owning it, many people share ownership and make decisions together.
Everyone gets an equal say, and any money the co-op makes is shared or used to make things better for the group. Co-ops help the economy by creating jobs, keeping money in local communities, and giving people fair prices and good working conditions. They also help people work together, support local businesses, and make things fairer for everyone
Our Commissioners:
- Lord Steve Bassam of Brighton, Chair of the Commission
- Cllr Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary and Ward Councillor for Blackheath Westcombe
- Cllr David Gardner, Ward Councillor for Greenwich Peninsula
- Cllr John Fahy, Ward Councillor for Kidbrooke Park
- Cllr Maisie Richards Cottell, Ward Councillor for East Greenwich
- Dr Giovanna Speciale, Co-founder and CEO of South East London Community Energy (SELCE)
- Emma Back, Founder of Equal Care Co-op
- Claire Pritchard, Director of Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA)
- Nick Plumb, Director of Policy and Insight at Power to Change
- Rich Mason, Senior Project Officer at London Ownership Hub
- Ed Mayo, CEO of Pilotlight, formerly Secretary General of Co-operatives UK
Key goals of the strategy:
- Expanding community energy: Royal Greenwich aims to support projects that allow residents to generate and own renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and reinvesting profits locally. Initiatives like the £1 million Community Energy Fund will help communities establish their own energy co-operatives.
Dr Giovanna Speciale, CEO of South East London Community Energy said: “Community energy is not just about reducing carbon emissions it’s about empowering communities. By expanding these projects across Royal Greenwich, we can ensure the benefits of renewable energy are felt by all, from reducing energy costs to funding local improvements.”
- Boosting the local economy: Co-operatives are known for creating stable jobs and driving growth. The Commission recommends supporting the establishment of new co-operatives and help existing businesses transition to co-operative models.
Claire Pritchard, Director of Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency said: “Co-operatives are a proven way to create good jobs, strengthen our local economy and effectively address social challenges. By supporting new enterprises and fostering a culture of co-operation, we’re investing in a thriving, inclusive borough for years to come.”
- Improving social care: Co-operative social care models prioritises fairness, quality, and community leadership. The council plans to introduce a "co-operative care compact" to support local care initiatives that put people before profit that put people before profit.
Emma Back, Founder of Equal Care Co-op said: “A co-operative approach to social care naturally prioritises relationships. How we relate to one another is the key to equitable, sustainable support built on trust, honesty and equity rather than proving compliance and ticking off checklists. Together, we can reimagine care as an experience that empowers rather than extracts, one that is holistic, that takes in the whole person and recognises every individual fundamental to that caregiving relationship: the person receiving support and the people who are right there giving it."
Looking ahead
The recommendations are informed by input from local stakeholders and international experts.
We are moving forward committed to following co-operative principles. Together for Greenwich aims to establish Royal Greenwich as a leader in the co-operative movement.