Co-op pledges to ‘stand firm on climate, opportunity and community’

The Co-op said its new strategy was informed by feedback from its more than 6.5 million members and reaffirms its “commitment to speaking up and speaking out on the issues that matter most to its members and communities – from climate change and sustainability to social mobility and diversity and inclusion”.

The retailer published data which found that, of 37,000 of its members surveyed, 83% felt the gap between rich and poor is growing, while 79% felt that society is more divided now than 10 years ago.

Less than 20% of surveyed members said that they felt optimistic about the future of the UK.

Co-op said the new strategy was focused on three key pillars: giving members access to opportunities, access to a sustainable future, and access to peace of mind and wellbeing.

The c-store specialist also said it was strengthening its long-term diversity and inclusion goals and would be backing new routes into ethical work, such as its recently announced partnership with The Hacking Games to help identify young, cyber talent.

On sustainability, the retailer said it would continue to strive to meet its science-based climate targets and support members, suppliers and local communities to reduce their environmental impacts in a “practical, fair and transparent” way.

Co-op group chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq said: “We’re living in a world where powerful voices are actively encouraging businesses to row back on their social value commitments.

“In the pursuit of short-term profit opportunities, some other businesses are choosing to scale back or water down their social value work, shutting the door on progress for the future.

“As a co-operative, owned by our members, we’re choosing to step further forwards, choosing to speak up and speak out, to be a voice for positive change when it matters most.”

“As debates grow around how to strengthen the social fabric of the UK, this strategy shows how Co-op is playing its part. It is grounded in what our members told us – to focus on opportunity, sustainability and community cohesion.”