A pioneering spirit

We have been serving communities since 1844, with our proud heritage based on the values and principles set out by the Rochdale Pioneers. Our roots within the co-operative movement still drive us on over 175 years later, pushing us to continue to be one of the UK’s largest and most successful independent co-operative societies. We serve half a million customers each week across 250+ food stores, 100+ funeral homes, filling stations, Post Office branches, florists and more.

Our story so far

Take a look at how we’ve changed and grown over the years.

The co-operative movement begins with the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers

1844
1995

Central Midlands and Leicestershire Co-operatives merge to create the Midlands Co-operative Society

We’re the first UK supermarket to start selling Fairtrade products in every store

1998
2004

We become the first retailer to have our household and health and beauty products certified by Cruelty Free International

We achieve our mission of zero waste to landfill

2012
2013

We merge with Anglia Regional Co-operative Society and become Central England Co-operative

Our partnership with FareShare begins, getting food to vulnerable people throughout our communities

2013
2013

Named the UK’s Co-operative of the Year

We hand out a record-breaking two million meals for those in need during the pandemic

2021
2021

All our own-brand packaging will be easy to recycle

Named Leading Co-op of the Year

2021

Our Purpose

Creating a sustainable Society for all
As a progressive Society we need to be sustainable in every way: for our business, our colleagues and customers, and the environment. We want the people in our communities to thrive, for generations to come.

Our Mindset What guides us

These beliefs form a foundation for the way we work. They help us find better ways of supporting our colleagues and serving our communities.

1Being progressive and looking to the future
Whilst looking after our people today

2Being inclusive and enabling anyone to drive change
We all have a voice; we all make a difference

3Being relevant and doing things that cater to different needs
We are adaptive and for everybody

A message from our CEO Debbie

Our new Society Purpose is now in place: Creating a sustainable Society for all. Each word has been carefully chosen.
‘Creating’ – what we make of the opportunities around us.
‘Sustainable’ – in every way. Financially sustainable, to invest in and grow the business, serving the needs of our members, customers and local communities. Humanly sustainable, by looking after our colleagues’ health and wellbeing. Environmentally sustainable, by choosing wisely and always looking for the best solution that will protect our planet.
‘Society’ – a co-operative Society, owned by our members.
‘For all’ – an inclusive, diverse Society, where everyone feels valued, appreciated and respected.

Upholding inclusion

It’s the differences in our backgrounds, abilities and beliefs that help spark our creativity and growth.

People & Diversity

Find us

All of our current job vacancies are advertised on this site. If you’d like to get in touch with us with any other queries, please contact our Recruitment & Development team at [email protected]

We like to deal with our potential colleagues direct from day one, so we ask that no recruitment agencies contact us.

Find your fit

Latest

Funeral Operations Lead

Location
HALESOWEN
Position
Funeral
Advertising Salary
£15.50 per hour
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
39
Company Name
FUNERAL WEST CLUSTER 4 - 520291
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
Kettering
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
8
Company Name
DESBOROUGH FOODSTORE - 100180
Contract Dates
6 months fixed
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
STOWMARKET
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
20
Company Name
STOWUPLAND PFS - 100415
Contract Dates
01/04/25
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
Botany Bay
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
8
Company Name
BOTANY BAY STORE - 100223
Contract Dates
01/02/2025
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant - Instore Bakery

Location
SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
10
Company Name
MANSFIELD ROAD, SKEGBY STORE - 100798
Contract Dates
6 month rolling contract
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
Lancashire
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
8
Company Name
THORNTON CLEVELEYS STORE - 100298
Contract Dates
01-02-26
More Info
Latest

Funeral Service Assistant

Location
Leicester
Position
Funeral
Advertising Salary
£13.06 per hour
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
20
Company Name
FUNERAL SOUTH CLUSTER 1 - 520291
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
FLECKNEY
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
8
Company Name
FLECKNEY FOODSTORE - 100450
Contract Dates
6 month fixed term contract
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
Stafford
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
8
Company Name
STONE ROAD STORE - 100712
Contract Dates
6 Month Fixed Term Contract
More Info
Latest

Funeral Service Assistant

Location
OXFORD
Position
Funeral
Advertising Salary
£13.06 per hour
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
23
Company Name
FUNERAL OPERATIONS OXFORD - 523832
More Info
Latest

Senior Brand and Customer Experience Manager - FTC 12 months

Location
Lichfield
Position
Brand and Membership
Advertising Salary
£75,000
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
39
Company Name
DIGITAL MARKETING MEMBERSHIP AND PR - 300600
More Info
Latest

Funeral Director

Location
Kettering
Position
Funeral
Advertising Salary
£15.50 per hour
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
39
Company Name
KETTERING FUNERAL - 520385
More Info