Integration Highlights Pt. 4

Integration continues to gather momentum as teams progress discovery work, refine the 24-month integration roadmap and begin shaping the future blueprint for how we operate and the technology that will support our businesses. This work will help ensure we move forward with clear, well-informed decisions about the systems and ways of working that will support OurCoop in the future.  We look forward to sharing our agreed blueprint with you in the coming weeks.

A key milestone this week is the selection of our new project management tool, which will support delivery of both core business projects and the Integration Programme. Implementation is already underway.

The aim is simple: to give us one clear, consistent way to plan, track and deliver work across the organisation. This will help us to:
• Improve visibility of progress and risks
• Strengthen coordination across teams
• Manage dependencies between business change and integration activity
• Simplify reporting  

During implementation, we will be setting up core structures, migrating priority projects and sharing guidance on how the tool will be used. We will also confirm timelines, training and when teams will begin using it.

This is an important step in helping us deliver change more effectively, ensuring that Integration activity and core business initiatives move forward in a coordinated way.

Integration with Chelmsford Star continues to progress well, with roadshow sessions held to support food store managers as they transition into OurCoop.

The sessions brought together colleagues from Retail Operations, People Operations, Talent and Engagement, Central Operations and Facilities focusing on helping managers understand the support available and the changes ahead as part of the integration.

Colleagues were introduced to core people policies that help ensure a fair, consistent and supportive colleague experience across the Society. The sessions also highlighted the importance of regular conversations to support colleague engagement, development and performance, including the use of  tools such as Let’s Talk conversations.

Colleagues were also given an overview of what's coming next, including training, system rollouts and operational improvements, such as the rollout of Electronic Shelf Edge Labels (ESELs) in May.

The integration programme will continue over the coming weeks as the remaining Chelmsford Star stores transition, including the upcoming go-lives such as Forest Drive and Challis Lane.

These go-lives will mark the final phase of the Chelmsford Star integration programme and an important milestone as we bring the remaining stores fully onto our technology,  processes and ways of working.

As always, thank you to colleagues across the Society who continue to support this work while maintaining focus on serving our members, customers and communities.