The company’s vision, which launched before the pandemic hit in early 2020, presented a unique set of business and community challenges it aimed to tackle.

The report looks at the key strategies helping to deliver the company’s vision of ‘Co-operating for a Fairer World’. The detailed 108-page report uses case studies, data and video to demonstrate and reflect on its ethics and sustainability strategy.

Steve Murrells, Co-op CEO, says “This Report outlines the progressive actions we are taking to deliver against our Vision. It is a critical and transparent account of our commitment to being an ethical, responsible and, above all else, co-operative business.”

Topics include the evolution of the Co-op community plan to tackle inequality, its work with the British Retail Consortium on climate road mapping to net zero by 2040, and its efforts to address racial inequalities.

The report begins with statement from the CEO and a review of the internal and external response to the pandemic.

Divided into three categories, the Co-operate Report looks at how the brand is being fairer to its people, members and communities, and the planet.

This works to improve customer engagement and transparency, but through achieving 34 of the 40 targets set last year, it also positions the Co-op as an effective and successful campaigner for ethical and sustainable issues.

The Co-op has provided members with a report on responsible business performance for 15 years. The latest 2020 report is available to download here.