The independent Commission on Co-operative and Mutual Housing was formed in mid-2008 to explore the historic role of housing co-operatives and chart potential mutual futures for this diverse sector. The Confederation of Co-operative Housing, Co-operatives UK, the Co-operative Development Society, social housing providers Accord, Matrix, Hanover and Trident, the Housing Associations Charitable Trust (hact), the National Housing Federation and the Chartered Institute of Housing are key supporters and originators, but more supporters are coming on board.