We're proud to be the largest independent retailer operating in the East of England. We provide Food stores and specialist services, such as Funeral Services, Security, Travel Agents and Petrol Filling Stations to communities across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.  

With a significant property portfolio and other businesses, we are a diverse and modern business. 

As a co-operative business, we’re run differently to other big organisations, putting our members first. Our focus has always been, and always will be, the local communities in our region. 

Our co-op remains committed to achieving gender pay parity, with our latest report revealing we still have work to do. Whilst both our median and mean pay gap has increased since 2023, we are pleased to recognise that our median pay gap does consistently remain small. Compared with last year, both of our median and mean pay gap has increased. 

We acknowledge that achieving a balanced workforce across all pay quartiles remains a challenge, particularly within senior positions. This underrepresentation of women at higher levels contributes to the gap significantly. 

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion remains unwavering. We’re actively reviewing internal procedures to ensure equal opportunities for promotion and professional development for all colleagues, regardless of gender. 

We recognise the need to address this issue with renewed focus. We’re confident that by taking concrete steps, we can reverse this trend and achieve true gender pay equality. We know this is not an overnight change, however we are committed to making decisions for the long term. 

I confirm the information and data reported is accurate as at the snapshot date of 13 April 2024.

Esme Cole,

Chair Remuneration & Search Committee 

East of England Co-operative Society