Celebrating our champions of inclusion

At Central Co-op, we take immense pride in fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every colleague feels valued and empowered. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of two of our colleagues, Jessica Connolly and Adrian Dunn, who have been recognised in the prestigious 2024 Role Models for Inclusion in Hospitality, Travel, Leisure, and Retail Index. This esteemed recognition, produced by WiHTL and Diversity in Retail in collaboration with The MBS Group, highlights individuals who are at the forefront of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within their sectors.

Jessica Connolly: Championing Voices and Authenticity
Jessica, our dedicated People Manager, has been a beacon of positive change and advocacy since she joined Central Co-op in 2021. After starting her career in law, Jessica’s journey into HR exemplifies her passion for working closely with people and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

In her role, Jessica manages our People Advisors and contributes significantly to our Inclusion Delivery Group. Her philosophy on inclusion centres around amplifying the voices of those who often go unheard and ensuring that every individual feels respected and valued. Jessica believes in actively listening, being open to new ideas, and removing barriers that hinder authenticity in the workplace.

"For me, being a Role Model for Inclusion is about giving a voice to people who struggle to be heard," Jessica shared. "It’s about being an ally, showing respect to new ideas and experiences, and focusing on progress. Role modelling these values is key to creating a sense of belonging for all Central Co-op Members, customers and colleagues."

Adrian Dunn: Empowering Growth and Development
Adrian, our Senior Retail Operations Manager, has been an integral part of Central Co-op since 1983. With over a whopping four decades of service, Adrian’s dedication to people development and inclusion has shaped the careers of countless colleagues across the Society.

From his early days as a Department Manager to his current role overseeing multiple regions of our food stores, Adrian has consistently prioritised diversity and inclusion. His approach to leadership involves recognising and nurturing the unique skills and abilities of every individual, encouraging them to reach their full potential.

"Being a Role Model for Inclusion means everyone is treated as an individual and has their part to play," Adrian explained. "It’s about looking at the great skillset and abilities that individuals have and supporting them to be the best they can be. Seeing colleagues grow from Customer Service Assistants to Store Managers, and then watching those Store Managers develop their teams, is incredibly rewarding."

A Shared Commitment to EDI
The inclusion of Jessica and Adrian in the 2024 Role Models for Inclusion Index is a testament to their unwavering commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Their efforts not only enhance the working environment at Central Co-op but also inspire others to champion equity and diversity in their roles.

At Central Co-op, we believe that fostering an inclusive culture is a continuous journey. The achievements of Jessica and Adrian are a shining example of how dedicated individuals can drive meaningful change and create a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Join us in congratulating Jessica Connolly and Adrian Dunn on this well-deserved recognition. Their contributions make Central Co-op a better place for all, and we are incredibly proud to have them on our team. You can find Jess and Adrian in the Role Models for Inclusion in Hospitality, Travel, Leisure, and Retail Index here. Here’s to continuing our journey towards greater equity, diversity and inclusion together!