To cement our position as the UK’s most socially responsible business, we’ve launched a revolutionary new Ethical Operating Plan

In 1844 a revolution began in Rochdale when a group of everyday people founded a new kind of business. A business built on democratic principles, owned by its customers and reinvesting in the community it served. This business was The Co-operative. These same values and principles are at the heart of our business today and we’ve grown to become a part of daily life, with over 5,000 stores and branches across the UK, 6 million members and 110,000 employees.

In February, we announced plans to take ethics to the next level with a revolutionary new plan. This forward-looking, innovative three-year plan will support our aim to build a better society.

Here are some key points of our plan:

The power of membership

Membership sits at the heart of The Co-operative Group – it’s what sets us apart from PLCs. Because we’re owned by our members, we give you the chance to have a say in how the business is run. Our aim is to grow the number of members from 6 million to 20 million by 2020 and when the law allows, invite under 16s to become members.

Find out more about Membership.

Keeping communities thriving

We already have a store in every postcode in the UK and The Co-operative’s community investment, already amongst the most generous in the UK, will be expanded to include £5 million per annum to target poverty around stores and branches. A further £30 million will be invested in our Inspiring Young People programme, which already helps young people through initiatives such as The British Youth Film Academy and The Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers, and will open up new opportunities such as apprenticeships.

Going even greener

The Co-operative is leading the way in the fight to combat climate change. Virtually all of our electricity is sourced from good quality renewable sources, such as wind and water power. We have set ourselves the toughest carbon reduction targets of any major business.

You can bank on us

Customers of The Co-operative Bank will already know that their money won’t be used to finance businesses that conflict with our ethics. Instead it’s used to fund initiatives we do support, such as increasing our investment into renewable energy projects which will benefit communities. The Baywind Energy Co-operative (pictured opposite) was helped by a loan from The Co-operative Bank. Lending from such projects will be increased from £400 million to £1 billion.

That’s fair play

The Co-operative is known for its pioneering work around Fairtrade. We have put in place an extensive Fairtrade programme and will now aim that if a product from the developing world can be Fairtrade, it will be Fairtrade by 2013. This programme will help communities abroad to receive a better price for their produce and give our customers even more great Fairtrade products.

The winds of change are blowing and by being a member of The Co-operative or simply shopping and doing business with us, you too can help us deliver our aim of making the UK a fairer society.

Take action

Find out more about our revolutionary new plan
at www.co-operative.coop/join-the-revolution