thecovergroupblog

thecovergroupblog

thecovergroupblog

Sunderland Home Care Associates

Like the John Lewis Partnership model and others who are not registered on the stock exchange, Sunderland Home Care Associates have a wide range of videos to be introduced to our blog. Sunderland Home Care Associates merits special attention as they are co-operatives i.e. one person, one vote, possibly equal wage systems and obviously a not-for-profit business. This does not mean, of course, that profits are not desirable but it does mean they are re-invested, after outgoings, within the organisation's structure. They would also probably have to be registered under Industrial and Provident Society legislation, although they could also be a Company Limited by Guarantee and/or a Community Interest Company. The interesting thing about co-operatives is that even the first piece of legislation, and certainly not the two others, fails to precisely state the actual operation of how cooperatives should, and could function.

Replicating the John Lewis Partnership Model?

The John Lewis Partnership Model is explained in this useful video.  The important connection here of course is that the Government often sees the John Lewis Partnership Model as a potential way in which 'social enterprise' can become a more useful and established concept. But the obvious problem is how projects dealing with disadvantage, welfare and minority interests can replicate this? John Lewis has huge resources; superb employment opportunites, including a sabbatical every ten years; and in-house profit sharing on an annual basis. How can similar results be acheived by those not listed on the stock exchange?

Visual resources

There were just too many to fit under 'Peter recommends' so I've listed below some of the interesting and unusual links I've come across while looking for material for the blog. Please do add your own!

Check out this brilliant you tube animation film on the recent book 'The Spirit Level' on the Equality Trust website. The book provides a cutting analysis of poverty, unfairness and inequality in our country.

Charlie and Marie: a tale of ageing is a very good animation feature from the Young Foundation: setting out some of the problems of ageing in terms of links with others, communication and, often, a fundmental change of regime.


Nice video about Street League for kids enjoying a kickabout in Downing Street with the PM


Brilliant ‘Funny How’ video from Flack, a group of pro-active people with problems of homelessness who are currently involved with the launch of their new Street Magazine. I see they also have thirteen videos available on their website.

Education, learning and community in New Earswick

I recently came across a brief piece online about the long-lasting New Earswick initiative in York. It provides some radical ideas about how community development, social and community enterprise models provide really useful background information about how, if the Libraries Department. really thought about creative uses of their small, and large, library resources, radical and use reforms would be achievable. With and without the use of unpaid workers... But my view is, as always, that the county council fails to understand the theory and practice behind these models.