Integration Highlights Pt. 3

There’s a real sense of momentum building across the programme. Over the past few weeks, our workstreams have been developing their individual plans and we are bringing those plans together to make sure they align as one integrated roadmap.

It’s about making sure everything connects, flows in the right order and works as one clear plan that benefits us all.

At the same time, we are reviewing the overall cost and value of the programme so that every decision is informed, considered and centred on what matters most - supporting colleagues while delivering long-term value for our members. It’s about making thoughtful, responsible choices now so we can build a stronger future together.

IT Blueprint Update

A major focus right now is shaping our future IT blueprint, essentially agreeing what systems we will use as one Society and how we will get there over the next 24 months.

This work spans everything from back-office systems to the technology used in our stores, so it touches almost every part of the business. The Technology team is working closely with colleagues across trading and support functions to make sure we capture what works well today and what will best support the organisation in the future.

As we shape the blueprint, a few clear considerations are guiding us;

• Systems must be secure, reliable and stable.
• They must meet the needs of both store-facing and support teams.
• We want to reduce complexity and have fewer systems doing more.
• Improved insights and reporting will support stronger decision-making across the Society.

The first draft of the IT blueprint is now in progress and will be reviewed with senior leaders as it progesses. 

Chelmsford Star Update

The Chelmsford Star integration programme, which began in September, and included the sale of the Chelmsford Department store, integration of Funeral homes, Travel branches and the Food estate, membership transfer and using the same technology, payroll, recruitment systems, operational standards, and support structures, is on track. Thank you to all involved for your continued efforts and hard work in make it go smoothly.

Key milestones achieved so far include:

• Funeral integration completed, including the transfer of historical data, with operations now running as business as usual
• 20 Food stores successfully integrated into OurCoop, with 10 remaining in the rollout plan
• Store teams supported through system changes and new operational processes, with each rollout improving the approach and delivery

Operational alignment is also progressing.

• To share best practice, we delivered a focused compliance fortnight and held a dedicated workshop session for store managers on 4 March.

Colleague systems have also now transitioned:

• Eploy recruitment system is live, enabling hiring managers to recruit directly and improve local ownership
• All colleagues now aligned to the four-weekly payroll cycle, with a smooth transition supported by the project team

The focus now is on completing the remaining store integrations and embedding the new ways of working across the estate.  

What’s Next

In the weeks ahead, we will  continue refining and our combined roadmap to ensure it works as one clear, practical and deliverable plan for the full 24-month roadmap. This joined-up approach will help us stay aligned, avoid duplication and move forward with confidence.

We will also keep progressing the IT blueprint that will underpin the integration, working closely with business leaders to finalise the first draft and shape the longer-term direction.

The collaboration across the programme continues to make a real difference. Thank you to everyone contributing their time, insight, expertise and energy to the work.

See you next week!