our values and principles
led by our principles we work with members to make changes for the better
We encourage new ideas to tackle issues that are important to our members – from helping the community to changing the world. Membership is open to everyone as long as they share our values and principles.
Our members show these values by working together for everyone’s benefit. They act responsibly and are encouraged to play a full part in the community. Co-operatives are structured so that members have democratic control, with equal rights and benefits. At The Co‑operative Group we treat each other as we would like to be treated ourselves, supporting one another as well as other co-operatives.
You can become a member right now – just complete our online application form for immediate access to our exclusive members' website.
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Self-help – we help people to help themselves
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Self-responsibility – we take responsibility and answer for our actions
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Democracy – we give our members a say in the way we run our businesses
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Equality – no matter how much money a member invests in their share account, they still have one vote
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Equity – we carry our business in a way that is fair and unbiased
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Solidarity – we share interests and common purposes with our members and other co‑operatives.
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Openness – nobody’s perfect, and we won’t hide it when we’re not
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Honesty – we are honest about what we do and the way we do it
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Social responsibility – we encourage people to take responsibility for their own community, and work together to improve it
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Caring for others – we regularly fund charities and local community groups from the profits of our businesses.
our principles are the way we put our values into action
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Voluntary and open membership – membership is open to everyone
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Democratic member control – all members have an equal voice in making policies and electing representatives
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Member economic participation – all profits are controlled democratically by members and for their benefit
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Autonomy and independence – co-operatives are always independent, even when they enter into agreements with the Government and other organisations
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Education, training and information – co-operatives educate and develop their members as well as their staff
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Co-operation amongst co-operatives – co-operatives work together with other co‑operatives to strengthen the co-operative movement as a whole
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Concern for community – co-operatives also work to improve and develop the community, both locally and internationally.
Find out how we are helping to tackle global climate change through our values in action.
Become a member and apply online today.
