Co-op Legal Services achieves highest STEP Employer Partner accreditation

09 July 2025

Co-op Legal Services has achieved STEP Platinum Employer Partner accreditation, the Employer Partnership programme’s highest awarding.

The accreditation recognises the member-owned organisation’s commitment to supporting its colleagues with learning and development opportunities and fostering a culture in which they’re able to succeed, as well as deliver high standards of service for clients.

In order to achieve platinum accreditation, Co-op Legal Services was required to demonstrate evidence of a strong learning culture, with dedicated practices and resources that support the implementation of tailored learning and development.

The member-owned organisation recognises that its colleagues are key enablers of its success and values their ability to serve clients with empathy, whilst also providing invaluable expertise.

Caoilionn Hurley, Managing Director at Co-op Legal Services said:

"Our colleagues are the driving force behind our business and its achievements. Their commitment to our clients and member-owners allows us to deliver top-tier legal services.

“As an accessible employer, we understand the importance of providing our colleagues with the training and resources they need to both deliver optimal client services and achieve career growth.

“We are, therefore, pleased to have been accredited as a STEP Platinum Employer Partner as this recognises the excellent learning and development programmes that we have in place at Co-op Legal Services that helps our colleagues progress.”

Rob Thompson, Head of Employer Relations at STEP said:

"We are thrilled to welcome Co-op Legal Services as a Platinum Employer Partner. Their commitment to nurturing talent and upholding the highest professional standards embodies the spirit of our Employer Partnership Programme. Its 'Always Learning' brand and comprehensive development initiatives set a benchmark for excellence in the legal services sector, ensuring their clients receive first-rate service from highly skilled practitioners."

“Co-op Legal Services sought Platinum status to demonstrate its clear commitment to its clients, assuring them of exceptional training for their legal specialists, which helps retention and consistent client contact. Crucially, it reinforces their dedication to colleagues, fostering engagement, motivation and attracting and retaining top talent.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

For more information, please contact pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op Legal Services

Co-op Legal Services is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, providing legal services in England and Wales. It is one of the largest providers of estate planning and probate services in the UK, with specialist practices in family law, serious injury and medical negligence.

Co-op Legal Services’ mission is to help people understand the law, to use the law to protect their future and that of their loved ones. It achieves this by providing accessible, engaging, professional legal advice and support through a blend of digital and 1-2-1 specialist advice.

Co-op Legal Service is part of Co-op Group

Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance, and legal services. Owned by over 6 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 6,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 54,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.

About STEP

STEP is the global professional association for practitioners who specialise in family inheritance and succession planning. We have more than 21,000 members in 96 countries. STEP works to improve public understanding of the issues families face in this area and promotes education and high professional standards among its members. STEP members help families plan for their futures, from drafting wills to issues surrounding international families, protecting the vulnerable, family businesses and philanthropic giving.