Midlands Co-operative Society Limited
The Midlands Co-operative Society Limited is the second largest
independent retail society in the UK and is a partner with Selly
Oak School and Specialist Science College, one of the first Trust
schools.
Partner comments on the relationship
We regard our relationship with Selly Oak as one of true
partnership and shared values. Selly Oak already makes a huge
difference to the lives of so many young many people, their
families and supporters. We are proud to be able to play a small
part in that process.
Working with Selly Oak Trust School provides us with a vehicle
for focusing our community activities in a particular trading area.
We have relationships with many schools across our trading area,
but seldom do we have the opportunity to develop that relationship
in a meaningful way.
Our relationship with Selly Oak will enable us to raise our
profile within forums in which our voice is seldom heard and will
generate positive public relations for us both. In the competitive
environment in which we operate this is clearly important to
us.
Partner role and benefits
By having direct input into parts of the school curriculum we
can reinforce issues such as ethical trading, and help prepare
students for the world of work.
Two-way work placements, work experience and joint activities
will enable our staff to learn first-hand the challenges faced by
staff and students alike at Selly Oak. Selly Oak staff will learn
about the commercial realities of the environment in which a
retailer operates.
We have much to learn from each other. For example, the
commitment of Selly Oak staff to their students provides a measure
of employee engagement to which most retailers can only aspire.
Our relationship is in an embryonic stage. We are still getting
to know each other but we are confident there is much potential yet
to be explored.
Contributor
Cyrrhian Macrae, Head of community & co-operative
affairs