Conference 2026 - UKSCS annual conference 8-9 May
Call for presentations, papers, panels & practical activities
In light of recent political commitments to double the size of the UK co-operative economy and renewed efforts to grow the broader co-operative movement, this year’s conference will adopt this ambition as a broad theme. The UKSCS conference offers a timely opportunity to explore the role of co-operatives in addressing major societal challenges while contributing meaningfully to economic and social development.
We particularly welcome contributions that explore how co-operatives can support inclusive, sustainable sector growth through enabling policies, organisational development, and their role in regional or national strategies. In line with the conference's ongoing focus on education, we also invite work on co-operative business and management education, both in teaching and research, as part of the sector’s long-term capacity-building and development.
While these are key areas of interest, we invite proposals on any topic that advances understanding or enhances the practice of co-operatives in any context and in alignment with the Society’s objectives. Submissions may take the form of presentations, academic papers, panel discussions, or practical workshops.
The conference provides a forum for both scholars and practitioners—across disciplines and perspectives—to advance knowledge and practice related to co-operative organisational forms. Contributions may:
- Generate debate and engage members
- Report on academic or applied research findings
- Facilitate experiential or practice-based learning
Full papers submitted alongside proposals may also be considered for submission to the Journal of Co-operative Studies.
Practitioner contributions encouraged
We particularly encourage submissions from co-operative practitioners who wish to share developments or insights from their organisations or networks on:
- The emergence of new thinking in the sector
- Practical applications of new ideas in accounting, management, marketing, or governance
- The impact of innovative practices on producer, worker, or consumer members and other stakeholders
Key dates
| Submission deadline: | 16 January 2026 |
| Notification of acceptance: | 30 January 2026 |
Submission Guidelines
Please email your proposal to: membership@ukscs.coop
Subject line of your email: UKSCS 2026 Conference – [Presenter Last Name] – [Submission Type]
Include the following in a single document (max 750 words):
- Title of your submission (Presentation / Paper / Panel / Workshop)
- All contributors’ names - Corresponding author’s name & contact details
- Purpose and issue your submission addresses
- Your approach or methodology (if applicable)
- Findings or contributions to knowledge/practice
- Relevant references (if applicable)
- Keywords
- If you have used any AI tools in the production of your submission/paper, please include a statement acknowledging which tools have been used and what you used the tools for, and how AI contributions have been incorporated/modified etc.
If submitting a full paper alongside your abstract, please name the file as: UKSCS2026-FirstAuthorName-SubmissionType.pdf.
Examples:
UKSCS2026-Green-Paper.pdf
UKSCS2026-Plum-Panel.pdf
Important: At least one presenter or author must register for the conference. Please do not submit if you do not plan to attend.
Join us in shaping the future of co-operative practice and research through shared insight, critical dialogue, and collaboration. We look forward to receiving your contributions.
You can download a PDF version of call for papers and submission guidelines via the link below.
— UKSCS 2026 Conference Organising Team