Co-op has launched a new strategy designed to embed social value across every part of its business.

Informed by feedback from its 6.5 million members, the move reaffirms the convenience retailer’s commitment to championing the issues that matter most to its members and communities.

A survey conducted with over 37,000 Co-op members revealed that 78% feel many people lack equal access to the resources needed to thrive.

Additionally, 83% agreed the gap between rich and poor is widening, while 79% believe society is more divided than a decade ago. Just 19% expressed optimism about the country’s future.

Co-op said these insights shaped the strategy’s focus on three key pillars: access to opportunity, access to a sustainable future, and access to peace of mind and wellbeing.

The business said it was strengthening its long-term diversity and inclusion goals and backing new routes into ethical work, including a partnership with The Hacking Games to identify young cyber talent. 

In terms of sustainability, Co-op said it was continuing to back science-based targets and long-term action, supporting its members and communities to reduce their impact and making progress in a way that’s “practical, fair and transparent”. 

Additionally, the retailer said it was focussed on driving fairness and cohesion where it was needed most, from investing in community resilience to taking a stand on human rights.

Co-op group CEO 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.” 

In July, Co-op revealed plans to launch the first rail engineering apprenticeships, in collaboration with City & Guilds Foundation.

The initiative, based at the skills hub in HMP Highpoint, aims to address rail engineering skills shortages while reducing reoffending rates, which currently cost the UK economy over £21 billion annually.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter