Olive Co-operative Membership Policy

agreed September 2006

Function

To collectively manage and develop the business of Olive Co-operative in order to fulfil the mission statement and current business plan.

Tasks

1. To make active contributions to collective management functions and processes including: General Meetings, relevant operational meetings, advisory groups and working groups etc.
2. To seek and undertake learning, training and personal development in order to be a more effective member and collective manager.
3. To seek and accept responsibility within the co-operative.
4. To promote worker self management and co-operative principles.
5. To communicate openly and honestly with other members.
6. To heed, read and listen to communications from other members.
7. To work collectively for the good of the co-operative, not for self interest.
8. To undertake legal responsibilities as a Director of Olive Co-operative, a company limited by guarantee.

Membership requirements

Members of Olive Co-operative are expected to meet the criteria below throughout their membership. During the membership selection and review process existing Members look and ask for evidence of each criterion and consider the total net benefit to Olive Co-operative. During membership probationary periods, some skills may need to be learned during on the job training at Olive Co-operative.

1. Satisfactory Olive Co-operative job performance including proven good productivity, reliability, proven accuracy and attention to detail.
2. Knowledge of Olive Co-operative systems, responsibilities and working methods.
3. Understanding of the mission and strategy of Olive Co-operative.
4. Understanding of the political and social climate within which Olive Co-operative operates.
5. Co-operative skills and commitment to Co-operative values and principles.
6. Team working and collective leadership.
7. Ability to co-ordinate and communicate with others.
8. Problem solving skills, imaginative/creative, assertive.
9. Systems management (able to analyse and change a work routine or system).
10. Flexible working arrangements and self-motivation (times, tasks, locations).
11. Intended commitment to Olive Co-operative of two, preferably three, years
12. (a) for timesheet employees - for an average of at least 10 paid hours per week, plus expected timesheet work of at least 10 hours per week in the forthcoming 3 months; or
    (b) for other workers/employees - worked the equivalent of at least seven working days in the last 12 months, plus expected work equivalent to at lesat seven working days in the forthcoming 12 months.
13. As a group, other workers are asked not to take up more directorships than timesheet employees.