The Co-operative Group is the UK’s largest mutual business, owned not by private shareholders but by over six million consumers. The Group operates 4,800 retail trading outlets, employs more than 106,000 people and has an annual turnover of more than £13bn. It is the UK’s fifth biggest food retailer and a major financial services provider, operating The Co-operative Bank, Britannia and The Co-operative Insurance.
The Co-operative describes its commitment to sustainability as follows:
“The Co-operative prides itself on its commitment and longstanding approach to sustainability. In 2011, The Co-operative launched its Ethical Plan with the aim of being clearly recognised as the UK’s most socially responsible business.”
In 2012, during the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives, the Co-operative Group took the Ethical Plan even further and played a major role in promoting co-operation in the UK and around the globe.
The Co-operative Group scholarship for £6,500 will be awarded to the applicant who best demonstrates their interest in, and commitment to, sustainability.
To apply for this scholarship, you must prepare a three slide PowerPoint presentation as part of the application process and upload it to the application site. The presentation will cover three points:
- Evidence which demonstrates a genuine commitment to the principles of sustainability and what this means for your contribution to the Lancaster MBA
- A clear description of strengths and weaknesses based on the evidence above
- A description of how the Lancaster MBA will help you to develop your credentials in the sustainability field
The scholarship will include an internship or Corporate Challenge assignment with the Co-operative Group.
Submission deadline: To be considered for the Co-operative Group Scholarship in Sustainability you should submit your MBA application form by 20 May 2014.
