Sign up for job alertsOur founders, the Rochdale Pioneers, built the co-operative movement on the values of democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity in 1844. Since then, we’ve protested slavery and boycotted the products of apartheid. Now, we recognise we need to do more to address the ugly reality of racism.
We won’t stand by when we see racism. We’ll speak out against it, and seek to eliminate the individual, institutional and systemic racial inequalities that exist in our society. We’ve made several commitments to our colleagues, Members and communities that we will follow through on at all costs. We must become an actively anti-racist organisation, and use our voice to educate, lobby governments and push through legislative change. We must empower our Black, Asian and ethnic minority Members, colleagues and communities.
Find out how we’ll do this by reading our commitments to racial equality and inclusion.
Co-op celebrates International Women’s Day by doing what we always do: supporting colleagues of all genders to achieve their potential and helping to create a better, more equal society. With inspirational talks from some of our female leaders and conversations about diversity and inclusion, we’re working hard to build the truly inclusive workplace that is vital for our future success.
Our stories
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Seasonal stores are an exciting place to build a career Thomas explains what it's like working in one of our seasonal stores -
I feel the caring spirit of Co-op every day, in and out of work Roan explains how he feels supported in and outside of work by his Co-op colleagues
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Marcela from Co-op logistics Marcela, from our logistics team, explains how she is empowered to always develop herself.
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Sophie from Co-op Property Find out about how Sophie found her passion for property at Co-op
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Protecting our colleagues, systems and data Andrew is working with the business to guide and educate our colleagues on the importance of information security.
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Why Cara moved up north for a career at the Co-op Learn more about Cara's role in our Digital Team.
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Carmelo's story Learn more about one of our Area Managers, Carmelo.
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I love that Co-op values people, and always does the right thing Debbie, Social Media Specialist, explains how she feels proud to work for a business that puts people first and always strives to do the right thing.
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Helping the business to support communities Learn more about working in our Procurement Team.
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Co-op Funeral Director Annabel Annabel, Funeral Director, explains her pride of working for an organisation that puts families in need before profits.
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I can’t believe how much experience I’ve gained in the past year Carolyn, IT Project Manager explains how her career has developed over the past year while at Co-op thanks to exciting projects and supportive mentors.
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Why I chose Manchester Eve from our Resourcing Team shares her insights and career journey with us.
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I’m really excited for the next phase of our journey Learn more about what Harriet's team is working on.
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Making work experience work both ways Emma explains how we can benefit from work experience placements
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Why I love being an LGBT+ ally Amanda explains what she loves about her role as an Inclusion Advisor.
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I only ever wanted to work for an ethical business Fairtrade has been a life long passion for Sarah from our food policy team.
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Eram's Story Learn more about one of our four colleague diversity networks.
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An apprenticeship helped kick-start my career at Co-op Micro Space Planner, Lakota, shares how a level 3 apprenticeship gave her the skills she needed to build a successful career at Co-op.
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How Sue found the perfect work-life balance at 60 Member Pioneer Coordinator, Sue, talks about her role helping the community.
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I can be myself at work Learn more about how Yasmin feels supported and proud of our Co-op difference.
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Cameron's Story We welcomed former Thomas Cook employee, Cameron, to our team last month.
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Daniel's Story Learn more about Daniel's journey with his stutter.
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Luke's Story Luke has spent his whole career at the Co-op. Learn more about his move from store to support centre.
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5 reasons why our Member Pioneers are local heroes Thank you to our Member Pioneers for the incredible ways they're supporting their communities.
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We’re looking for Inclusion Managers to help us build a more inclusive culture Rachael, our Head of Inclusion, talks about our priorities for the year.
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Welcoming apprentices to our award-winning contact centre We're launching a customer service apprenticeship. Matt explains what it's like being part of the team.
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How we’ve adapted our culture during lockdown Learn how our digital team has adapted to remote working and their "it's ok to..." lockdown commandments.
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Becoming part of a new community Find out what it's like opening up one of our new stores.
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Building a lifelong career Team Leader, Rohit, explains why he plans to build a lifelong career with us.
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Co-op's commitment to the community remains strong Karen has seen a lot change since she started with the Co-op 33 years ago. One thing that has remained the same is Co-op's commitment to local communities.
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Becoming a Class 2 Driver Apprentice Hear more about Aron's Co-op journey from warehouse operative to driver apprentice.
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From Warehouse Operative to Driver Learn more about Bianca's journey from warehouse to wheels.
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Campaigning on modern slavery Namratta looks back at the history of slave trade and how Co-op is campaigning on modern slavery.
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Our first robotics process apprenticeship Learn more about what it's like being part of our robotics process automation team.
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Switching to a career in digital is the best decision I ever made After a 20-year career working with content, Rachel Machin explains how she found her dream job in Co-op's digital team.
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Overcoming my anxiety to help families when they need it most Liam’s been doing an amazing job supporting families since he joined our Funeralcare team.
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We’re proud to partner with BYP as we aim to make some really important changes in our business Learn more about our new partnership with the Black Young Professionals Network.
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I found my calling in Co-op Funeralcare Funeral Director Manny Badyal talks about changing careers and finding a family at Co-op Funeralcare
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Supporting night shift workers Our colleagues work tirelessly to get our customers the essential items they need. Sarah and Emma share how we're working to support nightshift workers with emotional and mental wellbeing.
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Making good things happen Warehouse colleague Adam Anderson talks about supporting local causes and becoming Logistics colleague of the year
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Life on the road as an HGV driver Apprentice driver, Rebecca, shares her journey from Warehouse Operative to HGV Driver.
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Our new Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship Probate Solicitor Mita Kanwar talks about our 2021 solicitor apprenticeship.
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Study or work? As an apprentice I don’t have to choose Amy-Louise Arthur talks about how her time at the Co-op Academy in north Manchester led her to become an apprentice in our Property team.
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After 10 years at Co-op, I see more black leaders coming through the ranks Area Manager, Akeem, discusses Black representation in our leadership teams, and how he’s developed his career since joining the team.
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Coding for Co-op Dr Helen Johnson talks about working in data science, personal development and mentoring and empowering women to work on tech. Learn more about working in data at Co-op
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Why working for an LGBT+-friendly organisation matters to me Adam Tracy, Regional Location Analyst, shares why Co-op’s support of LGBT+ colleagues and communities is so important to him.
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Working at Co-op as a parent in lockdown Parvinder Kumar talks about working from home and finding a balance whilst being a parent during lockdown.
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At Co-op, no two days are the same, and it’s so fulfilling to help people who need support. Learn more about how Megan and Magdelena's experience of working in the Legal Services department at Co-op.
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From Pub to Store Manager Hayley joined us after losing her job during the pandemic. She's now training to be a Store Manager.
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Why we need to talk about disability in the workplace Hear more from the founder of Represent, our colleague diversity network, Carly.
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How Co-op is helping people to get jobs in these difficult times Matt Eyre, Candidate Marketing Manager, talks about how Co-op is supporting job seekers with a new employability platform.
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Emily's Story Store Manager, Emily, has made a big impact on her career, colleagues and community since joining us.
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I’ve found a place where I’m accepted for who I am Store Manager, Natasha, talks about her employment journey, and how she feels fully included in her role at Co-op.
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Working part-time at Co-op as a student From finding his feet as a Customer Team Member to transferring to a different store for university. Learn more about Kellen's Co-op career.
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Advancing diverse talent at Co-op Ru, Inclusion Manager and Chair of the Rise network for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic colleagues, talks about how the Advancing Diverse Talent programme is helping more colleagues thrive.
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From store colleague to Principal Service Manager: My Co-op journey Principal Service Manager, Dawn Boardman, talks about building a long career as a woman working in tech.
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Levelling up at Co-op Funeralcare Regional Operations Manager, Christine Heslop, talks about progressing in funeralcare and pushing herself to the next level.
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Celebrating International Youth Day Kavita from our Strive colleague network explains why it’s important to celebrate International Youth Day, and what we’re doing as a business to support young colleagues.
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What it means to be a Member Pioneer Ruth, Member Pioneer, shares how she helps bring people together in her local community to make it a better place to live and work in.
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Building an inclusive recruitment service Yvonne, Head of Resourcing, talks about how Co-op is evolving its resourcing service to live up to its commitments to diversity and inclusion.
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Helping colleagues share knowledge and develop skills through communities of practice Neil Vass, Agile Skills Practice Lead, explains how using communities of practice and other agile ways of working help Co-op colleagues to learn and grow.
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I’ve found an employer that embraces me and my ADHD Software Engineer, Paul Munday, talks about how he came home to join the Co-op, and found a place where he felt welcome and included.
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Pushing my boundaries in Co-op Funeralcare Funeral Service Manager, Peter Denys, talks about how he’s challenged himself by taking his career in an unexpected direction.
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What it’s like to be an Undergraduate Agricultural Coordinator Undergraduate Agricultural Coordinator Lily Layton talks about how her placement with Co-op is helping her learn and grow
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Learning and growing as an Undergrad Junior Product Developer at Co-op Erika King talks about her passion for food and the exciting work she’s doing as an Undergraduate Junior Product Developer at Co-op.
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Becoming a Co-op Leader Customer Team Leader, Curtley Stevens, talks about how Co-op spotted his talent, and helped him to take the first step in his career as a retail leader.
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Becoming a Co-op Legal Services apprentice Megan Aze talks about Co-op’s impact on her community and becoming an apprentice with Co-op Legal Services
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Celebrating with our local communities Store Manager, Joanne, explains what it means to be at the heart of the community during our Co-op celebration week.
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Celebrating the local heroes in our communities Alex Archer talks about the local hero competition and how he helps bring his community together as a Member Pioneer.
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Co-op saw my potential, not my disability Customer Team Leader, Jade Hughes, talks about her journey, from diagnosis with a rare brain disorder, to finding a workplace where she can develop her skills and pursue her studies.
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Co-op supports my career and my role as a carer Operating Model Design Lead, Katy Brown, talks about how she’s found a workplace where she can develop her career while caring for her disabled son.
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Co-op’s Boost Programme has helped me realise my potential Rhiannon Pyett talks about climbing the career ladder, becoming a Team Leader, and realising her full potential with Co-op.
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A day in the life of a Co-op Team Leader Area Manager Simon Taylor reveals what it’s like to be a Team Leader in the retail industry, and explains why things are so different at Co-op
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As an apprentice, I am supported and encouraged to build my career Laura-Jayne talks about the valuable guidance and support she’s received during her LGV Driver apprenticeship.
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Life as a QA at Co-op Rich Henderson talks about our engineering community at Co-op and why Quality Analysts have such an important part to play.
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My Co-op apprenticeship lets me earn while I learn Case Manager, Gabi, shares how a Level 3 Paralegal apprenticeship gave her the chance to build a legal career and gain experience, without the need to go to uni.
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Working at Co-op as a deaf Customer Team Member Ellen shares what it’s like to work with hearing aids and the support she’s experienced at Co-op.
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Andover warehouse opportunities Learn more about working at our Andover depot
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Moving to Brae The Most Northern Co-op in the UK Customer Team Leader Tara talks about switching careers, moving to the Shetland Isles, and the challenges she’s faced on the way.
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What it’s like to work in a tourist town Co-op Store Manager Daniel Jerrom explains how a holiday to Cornwall changed his life for good
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An unexpected career change From Spanish Teacher to Customer Team Member. Learn more about Peggy's career change during the pandemic.
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Building an equal future for women in construction Francesca, Construction Manager, shares what she's doing to create a fairer, more inclusive property industry.
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Moving to Co-op Legal Services was the challenge I needed to kick-start my career Jo, Probate Team Leader, shares her journey of making the switch from private practice and what makes Co-op Legal Services different.
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Reaching my potential as a blind colleague Customer Service Advisor, Sania, explains how being blind hasn’t prevented her from building a rewarding career.
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My journey from the Royal Navy to Co-op Andrew Livingstone shares his journey from leaving his career in the Royal Navy and using his transferable skills to become a Project Manager.
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How I grew from a Team Manager into a Project Manager at Co-op Ben Heath talks about his journey from working in store to becoming a Project Manager and how he was able to learn new skills, gain experience and grow his career at Co-op.
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Swapping the police for project management Dominic Orlando talks through his journey from starting his career as a police officer and moving to Co-op as a Project Manager
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Working together makes things better Nisa Head of Supply Chain, Nick, explains how he’s increased his job satisfaction in these turbulent times.
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Co-op’s flexible approach has opened doors in my career Learning & Development Campaigns Manager Kerry Jary explains how working flexibly has enabled her to build a rewarding career at Co-op.
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Role modelling change as a young, Black leader at Co-op Category Buying Manager, Dwight, talks about blazing a trail for young Black leaders looking to build a career at Co-op.
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The benefits of neurodiversity Store Manager, Lisa, tells us how she’s used her experience of neurodiversity to be effective in her role and support her colleagues.
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Growing into wholesale at Nisa Epos Helpdesk First Line Analyst, Christopher, explains how Nisa offered him an opportunity to learn new skills and change his career direction.
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Working at Co-op I can balance being a Team Leader while I’m at university Customer Team Leader, Danielle, talks about how she’s able to combine her studies at university and a leadership role with Co-op and is looking how this can help shape her future career.
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At Co-op my disability doesn’t stop me giving something back Mark Dorrington, Member Pioneer, talks about living with cerebral palsy and how he found a role at Co-op where he can give back to his local community.
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From Debt Caseworker to Legal Case Manager Case Manager, Coral Forshaw, talks about her change of direction and building a rewarding career at Co-op Legal Services.
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As a degree apprentice, the opportunities to improve are endless Assistant Technologist, Caitlin, talks about the freedom and encouragement she’s been given to pursue opportunities during her degree apprenticeship, and how this led to her being awarded Sheffield Hallam University’s Apprentice of the Year.
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I wouldn't get this level of fulfilment anywhere else Funeral Service Manager, Lorraine Crowe, talks about how she changed industries and built her career at Co-op
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I love being back at work Ceremonial Crew, Andrew Hargreaves, talks about returning to work after taking time out, the support he gets from his team and the culture at Co-op
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How I qualified as a solicitor with Co-op Legal Services Trainee Solicitor, Nathan Smith, shares his career journey from Legal Assistant to Case Manager whilst completing his Legal Practice Course (LPC).
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People don’t realise that we hear a lot of laughter in these types of roles Funeral Director, Steve Barbrooke, talks about how fulfilling his move from Maintenance Manager to Funeralcare has been
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I’ve embalmed thousands of people and do everything within my power to support families Rachel Carline shares how she went from studying fashion to becoming an Embalmer and how honoured she feels to work in Funeralcare
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Finding an inclusive, collaborative tech environment Software Engineer, Abby, went back to university to start a tech career that allowed her to problem-solve, and soon found the opportunity to work in an inclusive tech environment at Co-op.
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As a Junior Buyer at Co-op, I’m building my career in a growing sector Junior Buyer, Elizabeth, talks about the support and encouragement she’s been given at Co-op, and how proud she is to be part of an organisation with such strong values.
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The ongoing support and training is exceptional here Michael McCready, Funeral Service Manager, talks about how rewarding a career in Funeralcare can be
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I'd never considered a role in Funeralcare until I saw the level of care that went into a funeral Kenny Russell, Funeral Director, talks about what attracted him to the funeral industry and why his job is so rewarding.
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As a Co-op legal apprentice, I’m encouraged to be the best I can be Case Manager, Arjun, talks about the valuable support and guidance he’s received during his Level 3 Paralegal apprenticeship, and how it’s helped set him up for a successful career in law.
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After 10 years at Co-op Legal Services, I’m still finding opportunities for progression Lead Case Manager, Eva Warrin, shares her career journey throughout 10 years at Co-op Legal Services
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Being a member pioneer means I can live out my values in my role Member Pioneer, Faiza Zakaria, talks about using her passion for working in the community to inspire other young people.
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Elevating the diversity and inclusion narrative at Co-op Zahoor Ahmad – Head of Social Mobility, Inclusion and Belonging, explains the value of good diversity and inclusion (D&I) practices and policies, and outlines how Co-op is evolving its D&I vision for the future.
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Through our Rise network I can make a difference for Black communities in and outside work Elaine Codrington, Portfolio Operations Manager, talks about her impact as part of the steering group for our Rise colleague network.
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Transforming colleague development at Co-op L&D Campaigns Manager Kerry Jary explains how the Learning & Development team has worked together to create a new development offer that’s tailored to the needs of our Co-op colleagues.
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From the bakery to Local Marketing: My Co-op career journey Yasmin Hewitt, Local Marketing Assistant and Young Members’ Group representative, talks about her Co-op career journey from an in-store bakery in Wales, to a role in our Local Marketing team.
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I have great job satisfaction, but I also still have time for myself and my family Ceri Lee, Funeral Arranger from Devon, talks about why she joined Funeralcare after retiring and making a positive difference to families.
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There are a lot of opportunities to strive for - it's not just a job, it's a career Zach Waller, Care Logistics Lead, talks about joining Co-op after leaving school and building a career at Funeralcare
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As a Co-op apprentice, I’m building a great foundation for my future career Former Co-op Academy Manchester student, Jasmine, talks about her journey to becoming a Buying & Merchandising apprentice at Co-op, and shares her excitement about taking the next steps toward her future career.
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As an apprentice at Co-op, I’ve gained skills that I'll take with me for the rest of my career Apprentice Designer, Precious, talks about how the amazing learning and development opportunities she’s been given, and the support and encouragement she’s received from her colleagues, have helped build a great foundation for her future career.
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I don’t need to know what I want to do when I am older – I just need to work at Co-op. Chris Baker, Operations Officer in Co-op’s Digital, Technology and Data function, explains how his ‘squiggly’ career at Co-op has helped him learn more about the business and himself.
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My squiggly career journey has led to a rewarding role at Co-op Legal Services Probate Team Leader, Laura Hatton, shares her career journey working in Insurance and Funeralcare before making the switch to Co-op Legal Services.
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Avonmouth warehouse opportunities Learn more about working at our Avonmouth depot
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As a Member Pioneer I can learn and grow while supporting my community 17-year old Member Pioneer, Aidan Cronin, explains how securing his first ever job at Co-op has allowed him to grow in confidence and develop his skills.
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Supporting mental health as a psychological first aider Funeral Director Adam Kimche explains how he’s become an advocate for his Funeralcare colleagues and supports their wellbeing in his role as a psychological first aider.
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From Policing to Pioneering at Co-op Member Pioneer Coordinator, Cheryl Burden, explains how working with communities as a Superintendent led her to a rewarding career at Co-op as a Member Pioneer Co-ordinator.
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At Co-op Legal Services I found the flexibility to build a career that’s right for me Hear from Will Writer, Jordan Quibell, about how he found a different way to achieve his dream of a legal career in the Co-op Legal Services estate planning team
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Our Biggleswade build is really starting to take shape Logistics Manager Tim Ellis shares the progress of our brand-new Biggleswade depot
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Retail Seasonal Jobs Come join Co-op as a Customer Assistant and have a summer job to remember
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My future at Biggleswade Transport Ops Manager, Brad, talks about his vision of the new site at Biggleswade
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Building a culture at Biggleswade we can be proud of Biggleswade's Depot Operations Manager Debbie, talks about building a culture at the site and why its so important
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Castlewood depot Castlewood depot - one of the larger depots in our network, servicing stores across the Midlands and Yorkshire
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Biggleswade depot Our flagship distribution centre in the heart of Bedfordshire. It's the biggest, most sustainable and environmentally friendly depot in our network.
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Creating a positive workplace at Biggleswade’s new depot Chris Braisby talks about his role as a People Partner, building a team from scratch, and creating a positive working environment for Co-op colleagues
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Taking on a challenge at Biggleswade Alan Wood talks about working at Co-op, changing career paths, and taking on exciting new challenges at Biggleswade depot
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My career with the Co-op Lena Olzacka talks about working in logistics, inspiring other women, and taking on a new role at Biggleswade depot
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Becoming Biggleswade depot’s transport lead Sarah Rice talks about climbing the ladder in the logistics industry
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Supply Chain & Retail Support Supply Chain and Retail Support teams make sure products are available when our customers need them.
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Switching careers with Co-op Recruitment Administrator Kieran Prunty reveals how he transitioned from a Store Team Leader position to an office-based role at Co-op HQ.
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We’re recruiting Driver Apprentices The transport sector needs long-term sustainable change. Co-op is leading the way by investing in people, and offering fully funded training to candidates from all backgrounds. All you need to apply is a full driving licence and the desire to learn new skills.
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Co-op Undergraduate Placements - Food Commercial If you’re passionate about food and keen to kick-start your career, our 12-month work placements provide an amazing opportunity to learn and grow, working alongside industry-leading experts at our Co-op head office in Manchester.
Our newly formed Represent Network provides a supportive community for disabled Co-op colleagues and promotes fair representation and equal opportunities.
We’re passionate about celebrating our difference, and we’re open to everyone who would like to learn and understand more about our community. We aim to raise awareness, and influence policies and processes to help remove prejudice and unconscious bias from the workplace.
As a Co-op colleague you could join our Represent Network. Contact us at disabilitynetwork@coop.co.uk to find out more.
Aspire is a community of colleagues who are passionate about personal development and gender equality. We’re fully inclusive and welcome colleagues of any gender to join our group.
We’ve been around for over six years now, and some of the things we’ve delivered include our mentoring programme, lunch and learn workshops, roundtable sessions for colleagues to share their career journey, and focus groups on numerous issues. We’ve also developed links to charities which support gender equality in our local communities.
As a Co-op colleague you could become a member of Aspire. To find out more check us out on Twitter @coopukaspire
Respect is a network for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) colleagues. We have two simple aims: make sure LGBT+ colleagues can be themselves at work, and promote LGBT+ equality throughout the Co-op and beyond.
We think everyone has a responsibility to create a workplace where all colleagues can thrive. That’s why everyone is welcome to join Respect, whether you identify as LGBT+ or not.
As a Co-op colleague you could become a member of Respect. To find out more check us out on Twitter @cooprespectLGBT
Rise is a colleague network that focuses on increasing cultural awareness and ethnic diversity within the Co-op.
We know ethnic diversity is good for our business. A diverse company is better positioned to meet the needs of the future economy. And an inclusive organisation that supports and encourages all colleagues to bring their whole selves to work can reap the benefits of diverse ideas, backgrounds and perspectives.
As a Co-op colleague you could become a member of Rise. To find out more check us out on Twitter @Coopukpeople
Our ambition is to help young Co-op colleagues aged 16-30 shine in their careers by providing opportunities to support their progression: we do this by providing them with training, networking, and development opportunities.
We firmly believe in ‘generations working together’ and invite colleagues from all ages to join the network, get involved in our workshops and events and support young people with their development
To find out more you can sign up for our newsletter by emailing strive@coop.co.uk, or join our Yammer group.
Awards and partnership
Co-op has frequently been recognised for its inclusive culture, and we partner with other organisations to make sure we get the best advice and support to help us build a diverse organisation.
