The Co-op
The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, owned by millions of members. As well as having clear financial and operational objectives, the Co-op is a recognised leader for their social goals and community-led programmes.
Years awarded: 2017, 2019, 2020
Region: North West England
Size: 1000+ employees
Sector: Retail
Investing in ‘happy in role’ employees
Theme: Upskilling
As one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, the Co-op developed a programme for employees who were content in their role, providing them with opportunities to develop. Over 9,000 employees have undertaken the Excellence Programme with 98% putting into practice what they learnt. 91% of colleagues are still working for the Co-op and as an unexpected benefit over 500 employees have gained a promotion following the training.
Listen, Fix and Act
Themes: Apprenticeships; Talent pipeline / Career pathways
In response to a Listen, Fix and Act initiative to find out what colleagues wanted to change, The Co-op decided to reinvigorate its Apprenticeship programmes offering clearer pathways of progression for staff. 68% Customer Team Members were promoted to Team Leaders by the end of their level 2 programme and 20% degree level apprentices were promoted in their first year with 99% still working for the business.
Leading the way
Themes: Apprenticeships
This retail organisation is growing its funeral care operation and wanted to ensure quality and consistency in this largely unregulated sector. It created a highly inclusive Apprenticeship programme, covering costs for individuals who weren’t eligible to receive external funding. The organisation has also been instrumental in the creation of national occupational standards for the sector.
News and case studies featuring The Co-op:
Celebrating the Award class of 2020
On 15 December, we celebrated the innovative training and development successes of the 43 recipients who achieved a Princess Royal Training Award in 2020. By necessity the ceremony was a little different this year. Whilst it needed to take place virtually rather...
39 UK businesses receive excellence in training Award commended by HRH The Princess Royal in 2020
HRH The Princess Royal, President of City & Guilds Group, recognises organisations whose training has delivered measurable business impact 39 businesses celebrated at virtual ceremony for their innovative training programmes in the Princess Royal Training...
UK businesses’ training is recognised by HRH The Princess Royal on her 70th birthday
HRH The Princess Royal, President of City & Guilds Group, recognises organisations whose training has delivered measurable business impact Businesses continue to deliver excellent training programmes in the Princess Royal Training Award’s fifth year, despite...
IBM hosts ‘The Apprentice’-style competition for National Apprenticeship Week
About the event IBM Early Professional Leaders held a special workshop at City & Guilds Headquarters in London for National Apprenticeship Week. It was delivered by IBM apprentices and exclusively for apprentices of Princess Royal Training Award recipients....
Royal recognition for 44 UK organisations delivering outstanding workplace training
From leading banking groups to local businesses and charities, HRH Princess Royal and the City & Guilds Group recognise inspirational employers for their commitment to learning and development. London, 31st October 2019 – 44 UK organisations including IBM, The...
The Princess Royal and City & Guilds Group honour outstanding workplace training in 2019
HRH Princess Anne, President of City & Guilds Group, recognises 44 organisations with 2019 Princess Royal Training Awards Recipients shared compelling, irrefutable evidence of how training has directly influenced business results Multiple winners across areas...
A royal seal of approval for businesses that put employee development first
On Thursday 2 November, we celebrated 40 organisations who were recognised after being commended for their commitment to training and skills excellence by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at a ceremony at St James’s Palace in London. The Princess Royal...
40 organisations to receive royal recognition at this year’s Princess Royal Training Awards
Major UK businesses including RBS, Barclays, and Waitrose have been joined by a women’s refuge and an ambulance trust in being commended by Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne for their commitment to training and skills development. The Haven Wolverhampton, which...
