Together Works was formed from a merger between Manchester Progressive Enterprise Network (founded 2001) and Manchester Social Enterprise Forum (2004). It was incorporated in June 2007 as a Co-operative Community Interest Company.

Founding directors

Together Works has three founding directors with considerable experience of co-operative and social enterprise:

Ethical Consumer - Sarah Irving

Ethical Junction - Stephen Knight

MERCi - Caroline Downey

These directors will oversee the development of Together Works until directors can be democratically elected at the first annual general meeting.

Co-operative Community Interest Company

Through its Co-operative CIC structure Together Works:
o Enshrines community, social and/or environmental benefits rather than the sole pursuit of profit.
o Is democratic and accountable. One member one vote membership will be open to all social enterprises based and trading in Greater Manchester.
o Has an asset lock preventing de-mutualisation.

Governance

Together Works will be led by and accountable to its social enterprise members as well as securing and directing resources to meet the needs of the social enterprise sector.

Substantial work will be done to educate and train core members and Board members in co-operative values and principles, legislation and contractual obligations, and best practice. This education in itself will be of benefit to social enterprises.

The Board

To facilitate both accountability and responsiveness, the Board will be between 3 and 10 members. Only core members may make a nomination to the Board.

The Chair can only be from a full member. By the first AGM, the Board will be nominated and elected by core members, and then annually.The Board will be able to co-opt up to 33% of Directors to fill identified gaps in expertise or experience.