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. Throughout our history, we’ve protested slavery and boycotted products of apartheid. But in 2020 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. It’s vital that we become an actively anti-racist organisation, and use our voice to educate, lobby government 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 bringing together colleagues of all genders to help them achieve their potential, and highlight the importance of creating a more equal society. Inspirational talks from some of our female leaders let colleagues join the conversation about diversity and inclusion, and help them to understand that building a truly inclusive workplace 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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Emily's Story Store Manager, Emily, has made a big impact on her career, colleagues and community since joining us.
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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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Flexible working for more family time Our Avonmouth warehouse colleagues explain how Co-op has given them the flexibility to make work fit in with family time.
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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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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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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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From outer space to Co-op Thérèse Cantwell talks about swapping Astrophysics for Data Science, working as part as a team and learning new skills. Find out what's like being a data scientist 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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Supply Chain & Retail Support Supply Chain and Retail Support teams make sure products are available when our customers need them.
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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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Retail Seasonal Jobs Come join Co-op as a Customer Assistant and have a summer job to remember
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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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My future at Biggleswade Recently appointed 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 new Depot Operations Manager Debbie, talks about building a culture at the new site and why its so important
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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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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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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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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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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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Avonmouth warehouse opportunities Learn more about working at our Avonmouth depot
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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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Biggleswade depot We’re recruiting a new team for our flagship distribution centre in the heart of Bedfordshire. It will be the biggest, most sustainable and environmentally friendly depot in our network.
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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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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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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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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.
Co-op colleague networks
As a national business, it’s common sense that we celebrate the diversity of our millions of customers and our tens of thousands of colleagues. The Co-op has a long tradition of supporting diversity in our workplace and in our wider Co-op membership. Through our colleague networks, we’re championing best practice and a culture of fairness and equality. That’s the right thing to do and it makes good business sense too. I’m proud that we’re putting these issues at the forefront of our thinking and that our work is being recognised nationally.
Steve Murrells - Chief Executive Officer
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.
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