Central Co-op

As part of our continued spotlight on our work experience opportunities this week, we're proud to share the reflections of two incredible young people who recently spent time with us at Central Co-op. 📝 Sophie joined us at our Support Centre in Lichfield and explored what a career in PR and social media can look like - from contributing ideas for careers events to practicing interview techiques on our Early Careers Manager, Helen Stone. Her insights highlight how meaningful connections and supportive environments can shape futures. 👉 Read Sophie’s story: https://lnkd.in/emiy94MW ⚰️ Finley spent a week with our Funeral teams, experiencing everything from coffin preparation and logistics to client meetings and floral design. His powerful reflection shows just how much empathy, precision and teamwork go into this essential service. 👉 Read Finley’s story: https://lnkd.in/epwV5sHv We’re aiming to deliver 400 work experience placements in 2025, creating opportunities that build confidence, open minds and help young people explore their futures in an environment built on values, purpose and care. 👏 Huge thanks to Sophie and Finley for sharing their journeys so openly. #WorkExperience #EarlyCareers #PurposeDrivenWork #CooperativeDifference

🎥 "My confidence grew so much in just one week!" – Alice Smith, work experience student As we continue our spotlight on work experience this week, we're thrilled to share some words from Alice, who recently spent a week with our Data & Analytics Team at our Support Centre. From boosting her UCAS application to gaining hands-on experience in a real support role, Alice made the most of every moment. 💡✨ She was given meaningful projects, encouraged to work independently, and supported every step of the way. Alice's story is exactly why we’re passionate about creating inclusive, purpose-driven opportunities for young people to explore their future careers. #EarlyCareers #WorkExperience #YoungPeople

🌱 “Young people want more than a job - they want purpose.” That’s the message loud and clear from new research by Co-operatives UK, and it’s one we proudly stand behind at Central Co-op. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on work experience as we share how we’re helping young people explore meaningful, values-led careers. In her latest blog, our Recruitment and Early Careers Manager, Helen Stone, shares how we’re working collaboratively to foster inclusive, impactful and accessible early careers programmes. We're aiming high with a target of 400 placements in 2025, but with passion and commitment behind this work, we’re confident we’ll smash it! 👏 If you're passionate about early careers, inclusive employment or purpose-driven work, this is a must-read... #WorkExperience #GenZCareers #EarlyCareers #PurposeDrivenWork #WorkThatMatters

Happy Vaisakhi to everyone celebrating!💚 We hope your day is filled with light and joy✨

💻 We've officially launched our pioneering new website that allows people to book and purchase an unattended funeral online - designed for those who are organising a funeral after someone has died. As one of the first funeral providers to offer the online purchase of a funeral, this new website presents a simple, dignified and affordable alternative for those who don't wish to have a traditional funeral service. As more people opt for simpler funeral options (Sun Life’s 2025 Cost of Dying report suggests that up to 20% of at-need funerals were unattended cremations), we're proud to be making this option more accessible than ever. 🔗 Learn more or make arrangements at https://lnkd.in/ecU9M3y8 #FuneralCare #DigitalServices #UnattendedFunerals

Today, we honour the history, culture and contributions of the Romani people worldwide. International Romani Day marks the First World Romani Congress in 1971, where Romani representatives united to adopt the Romani flag and anthem, Gelem, Gelem. It’s a day to celebrate Romani heritage and advocate for inclusion, equality and the fight against discrimination.   At Central Co-op, we believe in embracing and celebrating ethnic and cultural diversity. Our We Are One inclusion network is dedicated to raising the profile of development opportunities for colleagues from ethnically diverse backgrounds, including leadership programs like Ethnic Future Leaders and Ethnic Senior Leaders, and increasing awareness and understanding of ethnic and cultural events through our inclusion calendar. #NationalRomaniDay #WeAreOne #DiversityAndInclusion

📢 Have your say! 📢 Central Co-op Members, it’s time to vote for your Board of Directors.   As a Co-op, we’re Member-owned and Member-led, so our elected Board helps shape the way we do business, ensuring that the views of our Members and customers are accurately represented. It’s easier than ever for you to vote... 📩 Vote via email, the app or on our website 🗓️ From Wednesday 2nd April until Midday on Tuesday 29th April 📢 Results will be announced on Friday 2nd May   https://lnkd.in/eaGsSSjX #Vote #DemocracyInAction #Cooperation

Big news! 🌍💚 We've led a landmark 10-year corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with RWE, working in partnership with four other independent co-operative societies (ISMs) - Lincolnshire Co-op, Scotmid Co-operative, East of England Co-op and Southern Co-op - to supply renewable energy to over 400 locations across the UK. Thanks to our partners RWE, Inspired PLC, and Shoosmiths, starting today this long-term contract will provide up to 53 gigawatt hours (GWh) of green electricity per year, sourced from RWE's London Array offshore wind farm in the outer Thames Estuary. With the deal set to provide 20% of our total energy needs across our food, funeral and Support Centre operations, this is a major step toward our goals of: ✅ Becoming self-sufficient in green energy by 2030 ✅ Achieving Net-Zero by 2040 This partnership proves that when businesses work together, real change happens. We’re proud to champion sustainability and ethical energy sourcing for our Members, customers and communities. 💪♻️ https://lnkd.in/eri8f7c8 #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #NetZero #CoopValues #GreenFuture

🌙 Eid Mubarak from Central Co-op!🌙 We hope all our Members, customers and colleagues who celebrated Eid yesterday had a wonderful and blessed day. May this special time bring happiness, peace and togetherness to you and your loved ones. From all of us at Central Co-op, Eid Mubarak! ✨💙 #EidMubarak

As part of celebrating the inspired UN Year of Co-operatives, today is day 1 of a 5 day Malawi tour by Central Co-op's CEO Debbie Robinson to see their Our Malawi Partnership in action ✨ As a co-op to co-op partnership, rooted in the field of international co-operative development, today we visited the partnerships in-country partner, the Malawi Federation of Co-operatives offices in Lilongwe, then travelled north to visit HIMACUL the macadamia coop union. Rosemary Kaphadzala, a member of the union, and chair of the local co-operative gave us a superb tour and demonstration of macadamia growing 🌳 Tomorrow we head to Mzuzu for Coffee ☕ Charlotte Castille Brad Hill Paul Reece Simon Plunkett Gary Berns Jeruzye munthali John Mulangeni-Nkosi Andrew Emmott Todor Ivanov Mathias Fiedler International Cooperative Alliance Co-operative College Co-operatives UK #coops4dev #bettertogether