Community Impact Index 2016

The Community Impact Index represents the seventh co-operative principle, concern for the community: “Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.”...

The Community Impact Index represents the seventh co-operative principle, concern for the community: “Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.”

Articles written and researched by Co-operative News. The index is supported by Midcounties Co-operative, the largest regional co-operative in the UK with gross sales more than £1bn. Community owned, community led and community rewarding, Midcounties works together to create a better, fairer world.

  • How are retail co-ops impacting on their communities?

    Ten per cent of a retail co-op’s profits are given back to the community. This is more than double the amount that competitors give, which is the equivalent of 4.5% back. Last year, co-ops gave a total £12m to good causes, which cover areas such as staff/member fundraising for charities, dividend grants given to community groups, in-kind support through donations of equipment and giving ...

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  • Expert views: What should co-ops be doing to be different from private companies?

    Michelle Smith, Community Lead, The Co-operative Group:  "The thing that makes us different is responding to local members’ expectations. Other retailers may think about where they can generate recognition and tie that in closely to make profit –our focus is to run our business the best we can to help members. The reason we exist is as a better way of doing business in communities and it ...

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  • Why are co-ops working in communities?

    One area of the impact index that has grown is the number of co-operatives reporting how many hours its staff volunteer for good causes. Business in the Community describes volunteer hours as a donation of time and skills during work hours to tackle local social issues. It says it is an effective and powerful way for businesses to invest in their people and local communities. Six of the ...

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  • Expert views: What are the current trends in community investment?

    Michelle Smith, Community Lead, The Co-operative Group:  Over the last few years our experience is that local communities need our help more than ever. Corporate organisations are tending to focus on business purpose and  themes, how they can make the most impact to build their profile. From the perspective of co-operatives, communities have always been fundamental to what we are about and ...

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  • How are co-ops working in communities?

    Case study: Setting up the sustainability plan The Southern Co-operative recently launched a new community programme – Love Your Neighbourhood – which links to their three sustainability priorities: Share, Protect and Support. Jessica Hughes, community investment manager, explains... Southern’s Love Your Neighbourhood programme focuses on four types of community investment – local ...

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  • How do co-operatives work with other co-ops?

    Co-operatives serve their members (and, thus, community) most effectively by working together through local and national structures. This is the sixth co-operative principle, co-operation among co-operatives. In its guidance notes, the International Co-operative Alliance says co-operatives can achieve much on a local level, but they will achieve much more if they work together. By creating ...

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  • Expert views: What tips would you give to other co-ops looking to invest in communities?

    Michelle Smith, Community Lead, The Co-operative Group:  Start with needs of the members, tap into member expectations and listen to their views to make sure whatever you are doing meets their needs. From our perspective we developed our work and strategy with a joint working group. We consulted our Members’ Council to make sure that the plans we were developing met the views and needs of ...

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  • 5 ways to help you measure your impact

    Pioneered by Corporate Citizenship, LBG is the global standard for measuring corporate community investment and philanthropy. Who >>  LBG is a network of corporate community investment professionals who work together to apply, develop and enhance the LBG measurement framework. The LBG measurement methodology is used by several co-operatives, as well as organisations such as BITC, ...

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