The Midcounties Co-operative has achieved 5 stars in Business in the Community’s (BITC) annual Corporate Responsibility Index, one of only three organisations to achieve the accolade.
The CR Index is one of the most recognised and longest running benchmarks measuring how businesses are integrating responsible business practice into all aspects of how they operate.
The Midcounties Co-operative scored a record 100%, and has been credited for excellent practices in sustainability, community engagement and high standards of governance.
It has been praised for its long-term investments to improve The Society’s sustainability including improving energy efficiency within stores, which are now 100 per cent green-energy powered. Co-operative Energy actively supports Community Renewable Energy, purchasing over 45 per cent of energy from renewable sources. The Society has also increased its recycling levels to 91 per cent – up over 300 per cent in the last eight years - and its own food waste recycling process produces enough renewable energy to power 40 homes a year.
The Society’s comprehensive customer, colleague and member engagement programme was also recognised for its ability to embed its values throughout the workforce and wider community. Last year, for example, 10,000 members were involved in selecting local opportunities to support across 20 communities and colleagues delivered 36,000 volunteer hours. Customers were involved with food bank donations and recycling initiatives, and 9,000 younger members of the community were reached by working with over 50 schools and Higher Education partners in 2016.
The Index scored The Midcounties Co-operative top ratings for its high standards of governance, crediting senior members who have worked to implement core values across all practices. The Society’s Fair Tax Mark, the highest-ever score realised by a business that trades solely in the UK, demonstrates its fair and democratic values embedded within financial practices.
Pete Westall, Group General manager - Colleague and Co-operative services, commented, “As the largest independent co-operative in the UK we’re an ambitious business built on the strong ethical principles that guide co-operatives all over the globe – every day we’re working to make a lasting difference in the communities in which we operate. We also work globally through the International Co-operative Alliance – on which our president, Ruth Fitzjohn, and our Group Chief Executive, Ben Reid, sit – to ensure we’re at the forefront of the international co-operative movement and champion the co-op model.
“This award recognises the way our members, colleagues and customers have come together to help us achieve this. It’s a clear badge showing our commitment to responsible business practices, and one that we’re proud to wear.”
Amanda Mackenzie, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said: “Every business should do something significant for society by being a force for good in the community, but that’s only possible if companies are able to measure the progress they are making as responsible businesses. I congratulate The Midcounties Co-operative for achieving its score and look forward to working together to create a fairer society and a more sustainable future.”