Central Co-op Wins ‘Most Impactful Social Community Programme’ at the 2025 Appreciation Awards

Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 13/11/2025

Central Co-op is thrilled to announce it has won the Most Impactful Social Community Programme award at the Appreciation Awards 2025, held on 11th November at the Natural History Museum in London.

The award celebrates organisations creating lasting social value through their people. Central Co-op’s winning entry, “Difference Makers in Action: A Co-operative Approach to Social Value”, stood out for how it embeds community purpose into colleague culture through innovation, recognition and reward.

At the heart of the initiative is the Difference Maker Hub, powered by Reward Gateway - a digital platform that connects more than 7,000 colleagues across the Society to volunteering opportunities, wellbeing tools, recognition schemes and local impact. The Hub has become a daily destination for celebrating those who make a difference, with over 5,000 ecards sent in recognition of colleagues’ community contributions.

The programme aligns co-operative values with a modern, engaging reward and benefits experience. It empowers colleagues to use their three paid volunteering days, celebrate community achievements, and share pride in being part of a purpose-led organisation.

Jennifer Roberts, Head of Reward and Wellbeing, said: “The Difference Maker Hub has transformed how we connect culture, recognition and community. It’s where our colleagues see and celebrate the impact they’re making every day - for each other, for our Members and for the communities in which we serve. This award belongs to every Difference Maker who lives our values and brings our co-operative purpose to life.”

Central Co-op was also shortlisted for ‘Best Financial Support Strategy for Employees’ for its “We’ve Got You” programme, which uses the same Hub to deliver financial wellbeing support, including real-time pay access, savings tools and access to free financial coaching.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate how Central Co-op is redefining reward and recognition to reflect what truly matters - purpose, people and positive community impact.

For further details, head to the centralcoop.co.uk/, details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop.

ENDS

For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk

Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004