We're finalists at the Employee Benefits Awards!

We are thrilled to announce that Central Co-op has been named a finalist in three prestigious categories at the Employee Benefits Awards 2025: Best Financial Wellbeing Strategy - Large Employer, Best Use of Benefits Technology, and Benefits Professional of the Year. These awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of HR, reward and benefits professionals who have driven meaningful change and innovation over the past year.

Best Use of Benefits Technology

Our nomination for Best Use of Benefits Technology recognises our strategic approach to integrating digital solutions into our colleague benefit initiatives. At the heart of this is the Difference Maker Hub, which was initially launched in 2022 and recieved significant enhancments in 2024.

The Hub serves as a central, accessible platform for internal communications, recognition, wellbeing, career development, inclusion and rewards. In 2024, we expanded its functionality to include a dedicated wellbeing centre as part of our We’ve Got You wellbeing campaign, supporting colleagues across various needs. Additionally, it became the launchpad for initiatives such as our EV Salary Sacrifice scheme and iTrent Financial Wellbeing powered by Wagestream financial wellbeing platform.

Recognising the need for accessibility, we launched the Difference Maker Hub app in September 2024, allowing colleagues to engage with the platform from their preferred devices. With an impressive colleague registration rate and over 4,700 recognition e-cards sent, the Hub has played a vital role in fostering an engaged, motivated and appreciated workforce.

Best Financial Wellbeing Strategy - Large Employer

Financial wellbeing has never been more important, and our strategy is designed to support colleagues in managing their finances with confidence. Our Difference Maker Hub hosts a Money section, offering budgeting advice, savings tools and financial education. The introduction of iTrent Financial Wellbeing powered by Wagestream in 2024 has provided colleagues with flexible pay access, personalised financial coaching, and savings accounts, helping them manage unexpected expenses and build financial resilience.

In addition, our EV Salary Sacrifice scheme enables colleagues to save on monthly car costs, making sustainable transportation more accessible. Recognising the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, we also raised our minimum pay to £12 an hour, alongside paid breaks and additional benefits.

Our commitment to financial wellbeing has led to increased engagement and a stronger sense of financial security among colleagues.

Benefits Professional of the Year - Jennifer Roberts

We are incredibly proud that Jennifer Roberts, our Head of Reward and Wellbeing, has been shortlisted for Benefits Professional of the Year. Jen has been instrumental in transforming Central Co-op’s colleague engagement and reward strategy, aligning benefits with our co-operative values while driving innovation.

Since joining in 2022, Jen has spearheaded the launch of the Difference Maker Hub, championed our flexible working programme (which won Best Benefits to Support Work-Life Balance in 2024), and led groundbreaking financial wellbeing initiatives. Her leadership in the rewards space has contributed to a rise in colleague engagement scores and a workplace culture that further supports and values every colleague.

Jen’s impact extends beyond Central Co-op, with her expertise recognised across the industry through speaking engagements, judging panels and award-winning initiatives. Her dedication to making a difference is truly inspiring, and this nomination is a testament to her outstanding contributions.

Being recognised as a finalist in these three categories is a proud moment for Central Co-op. It reflects our commitment to enhancing colleague wellbeing, engagement and recognition through innovative, inclusive and impactful initiatives.

We eagerly await the Employee Benefits Awards ceremony on 27th June 2025, where we will celebrate alongside other leaders in the industry. Regardless of the outcome, we remain dedicated to making a difference for our colleagues every day.

Thank you to our colleagues for being part of this journey – this achievement is for you!

Stay tuned for updates and join us in celebrating this fantastic achievement!