PRISM has existed at Co-op for over 16 years and was the first colleague network to be established in the business. During this time, they’ve constantly worked hard to achieve their mission of creating a safer and more inclusive workplace for all identities. They achieved this by building a strong coalition of sponsorship amongst Co-op’s exec leaders, who regularly attend network events. By focusing heavily on building allyship from those not within the LGBTQ+ community, through the many engaging awareness events they deliver, by collaborating with other colleague networks within Co-op to drive intersectionality and by successfully leading Co-op’s annual participation at Prides across the UK.
Additionally. PRISM have worked closely with Global Butterflies and their internal HR team to help shape people policies, making them more inclusive of LGBTQ+ colleagues. This includes: updating the recruitment process to allow candidates to apply for roles using their correct details (even if these don’t align with legal documents), helping to make the process for colleagues to change their name easier and more discreet through a new self-serve option, creating and launching e-learning to build colleagues knowledge on how to be more inclusive of trans and non-binary people.
Their impact has extended beyond the business, with the network playing a key role in helping Co-op champion equal rights, by supporting them in being the only retailer to speak in Parliament in support of the Equal Marriage Bill. More recently PRISM have managed Co-op’s annual participation in Pride, with the business attending 38 Pride events in 2024, with 41 events planned in 2025 (making this Co-op’s biggest celebration yet). Not only that, but the network is often sought by other LGBTQ+ ERGs to provide guidance on how to be effective, which they’re more than willing to oblige in order to benefit the wider LGBTQ+ community.
Over the years PRISM have worked with, raised money for, and donated provisions to many external LGBTQ+ organisations, most notably: Gaydio, We Are Survivors, LGBT Foundation, Proud2bparents and Iris Prize. The latter of which has been an ongoing partnership for many years, with PRISM and Co-op supporting the delivery of this week-long event, which recognises aspiring LGBTQ+ film/tv talent. PRISM have also given a platform to notable members of the LGBTQ+ community, inviting them to share their personal stories in the hope of inspiring positive change. This has included Lucia Blayke (prominent trans activist), Simon Blake OBE (CEO Stonewall), Lucy Clark (first openly trans football referee) and Dr Ronx (a trans and non-binary TV doctor).
Another important partnership that PRISM had the opportunity to support is Sparkle, where Co-op sponsored the event in 2024. Co-op’s CEO and other exec members attended, with a member of PRISM’s steering committee also taking to the stage to talk publicly about the importance of trans and non-binary representation/inclusion in business. PRISM doesn’t just focus on LGBTQ+ organisations, they also proactively seek opportunities to work closely with Co-op suppliers, which has previously included collaborations with PepsiCo, Shell, Colgate, Greencore and Amazon. The aim of these collaborations has been to share best practice, lived experiences and build a safe space for LGBTQ+ people across the wider retail industry.
Currently the network has over 550 active members, which has grown 15% between 2024 and 2023. This growth has been driven by the level of communication and engagement the network delivers throughout the year, which supports the LGBTQ+ inclusion calendar. This includes events such as LGBT History Month, Lesbian Visibility Week, Pride Month and Trans Awareness Week, plus many others. The network also often collaborates on events with other colleague networks at Co-op, with the most recent examples being the parents and carers network for ‘National Coming Out Day’ and the women’s network for Lesbian Visibility Week.
PRISM doesn’t just stop there; they also actively focus on delivering activities in addition to the LGBTQ+ awareness calendar. This includes facilitating monthly listening sessions for trans, non-binary and intersex colleagues in particular, which provides a safe space for them to share how they’re feeling. The significance of these sessions has become even more prominent following the EHRC ruling. These colleagues have shared positive feedback on how the sessions have helped to provide a safe space for them to be themselves. Further to this PRISM also hosts an annual awards ceremony, to recognise LGBTQ+ excellence within Co-op across eight different award categories. 2025 will be the third year this event has taken place, with it becoming increasingly popular every time.
The network are passionate and committed to delivering their mission, consistently going above and beyond, but making sure the LGBTQ+ community is at the heart of everything they do.
