Building Stronger Communities Gemma Lacey Director Sustainability & Communications

Food Retail

End of Life Services

Our relationship with Coop Group We are an entirely independent society to The Co-operative Group although there are some links Brand Products & Promotions Distribution network

Sustainability Plan

Why community is important to us Be a welcomed and integral part of the communities where we trade Support those issues that matter most to our local communities Make it simple and easy for our colleagues to engage with and support their communities Provide a way for our customers and members to give back to their communities and get involved, helping to bring communities together Make a positive difference and impact to the local causes we support and through them improve the overall wellbeing of our communities

Reactive support for communities Targeted support for communities address key strategic issues Focused programme of activities Skills Based Volunteering Community led - proactive support for communities Local Project Funding Local Fundraising Partnerships Local Volunteering Community Engagement Reactive support for communities Goods Donations, Food Banks, Defibrillators, Community Events Our approach to Community Investment

Love Your Neighbourhood Based on a survey of over 4,000 Members Managed locally by food stores and funeral homes Funded by 5p Carrier Bag levy

Strategic focus areas

Volunteering – alignment with skills development

Any Questions? community@southerncoops.co.uk Thank you! Any Questions? community@southerncoops.co.uk

Group activity Three potential questions to ask the group to work on and report back: How can business best be a force for social change within local communities? How can businesses mobilise greater engagement in local communities through their employees? What makes a great local community partnership?