Central Co-op’s Jennifer Roberts wins Benefits Professional of the Year 2025

Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 02/07/2025

Central Co-op is thrilled to announce that Jennifer Roberts, Head of Reward and Wellbeing, has been named Benefits Professional of the Year at the prestigious Employee Benefits Awards 2025. 

The award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional impact in the field of employee benefits, and Jen’s win is a testament to her leadership, innovation and unwavering commitment to colleague wellbeing. 

Since joining Central Co-op in 2022, Jen has led a major transformation of the Society’s reward and benefits strategy. She spearheaded the creation and evolution of the Difference Maker Hub, a digital platform bringing together recognition, wellbeing, communication, development, inclusion and reward in one accessible space. Under her leadership, the Society also launched the award-winning WorkFlex programme, embedded financial wellbeing support through iTrent by Wagestream, and delivered inclusive, values-driven benefit initiatives that reflect the needs of colleagues across the business. 

Jen’s work has contributed to significant improvements in colleague engagement, satisfaction, and wellbeing across the Society. 

Commenting on the award, Jen said: “I forever feel fortunate to have discovered the world of reward and benefits 14 years ago. In that time, I’ve made it my mission to make a difference to the colleagues I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing people who have created the space for me to grow in my career and supported me to drive relentless transformation in the reward and benefits space, especially in Central Co-op within our cultural framework ‘We are the Difference Makers’”.  

In addition to Jen’s win, Central Co-op was also named a finalist in two further categories:

• Best Use of Benefits Technology for the innovative rollout and expansion of the Difference Maker Hub, including the launch of a mobile app and a new wellbeing centre in 2024. 
• Best Financial Wellbeing Strategy - Large Employer in recognition of a holistic approach to financial support, including flexible pay, savings tools, financial education and a market-leading EV salary sacrifice scheme. 

The Employee Benefits Awards took place on Friday 27th June 2025 and celebrated excellence and innovation in workplace benefits, wellbeing and reward. 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