Join In Update

Join In

2023 was a big year for member participation at Co-op.

Members undertook over 1 million actions in just 12 months for the first time through our Join In activities, supporting the delivery of our shared vision in a big way. If we combine all the time given by our members in 2023 for Join In actions, it comes to almost 128,000 hours, the equivalent of us having 23 full time colleagues for the whole year.

We have opportunities available for members to participate in every month through our member email. Last year, we launched 80 opportunities for members to play their part and we ensure all our Join In Opportunities are authentic ways for members to shape and influence their Co-op. Members do this in four ways.

Learning – Thousands of members 'Join In' with our video quizzes each month, these are designed to help members understand more about their unique Co-op so you can get more out of your ownership. We’ve also talked about ethical and social issues, helping unpick these complex issues and support members in taking simple actions to make a difference. Check out our blog for more on when members joined in live.

Choosing – Members have really enjoyed being able to choose flavour combinations, tastes and even label styles as part of helping us create some amazing food that is now in their local store. From cheese toasties, wine, pizza and Fairtrade chocolate, hundreds of thousands of members have become product designers. Here’s more on when members helped design our new labels.

Shaping – Helping us to understand your experiences of life, your community, and the things you are passionate shapes our community and campaigning programme. The community promotion of our soft plastics scheme was designed by members for example, helping to provide the right resources to spread the word. Check out this blog on how members are shaping our ethical credentials.

Taking Part – We are at our strongest when our members join us to stand together on the things that matter most to them. Members got behind our 'Time to Talk Day' campaign on mental wellbeing, sharing and promoting it, as well as organising their own events. They also joined our call to action to tackle retail crime and its effects on our communities. Here’s more about how members supported our Time to Talk campaign. . In July, we asked members whether they’d support a campaign to make socio-economic background the 10th protected characteristic under the Equalities Act. 46% of members told us they needed to know more, so in November, we produced a short explanatory film. After watching the film, 84% said they would support the campaign.

Overall, we’ve seen a 27% increase in member participation through Join In, which is really exciting, and shows that our members continue to want to play a part in a way that suits them. 'Join In' with the opportunities that are available right now.