Responsible procurement
We focus on generating and protecting value for our member-owners throughout our procurement practices.
Diversity and inclusion
We continue to push for increased diversity in our supply chain and are members of the Social Enterprise UK’s ‘Buy Social Corporate Challenge’, spending £11.1m in 2024 with Social Enterprises.
We also work with Minority Supplier Development UK (MSDUK) and spent £170,000 in 2024 with Ethnic Minority Businesses.
In 2024, our Goods Not for Resale suppliers pledged over £2.2m to support our Co-op Levy Share scheme, changing the lives of young people from diverse backgrounds in the UK, supporting over 200 apprenticeships.
Co-op was announced as the winner of the ‘Best Initiative to Build a Diverse Supply Base’ award at the CIPS Excellence in Procurement & Supply Awards 2024, recognising our collaborative approach to inclusive buying and supplier diversity.
Ethical trade and human rights
We partnered with Unseen and Stronger Together to deliver modern slavery awareness training, enhancing our team’s understanding and helping category managers identify and address human rights risks across our supply chain.
You can read more in our Modern Slavery Statement.
Community buying
Our customers tell us that having access to products that are relevant to them is essential. Through our community buying approach, we strive to create ranges that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve — ensuring relevance with a conscience.
Co-op’s purpose-driven incubator and accelerator programme; The Apiary, champions small businesses that align with our vision and values. Now in its fourth year, The Apiary has supported over 30 businesses as they navigate the world of retail.
