Profile of Reporting Organisation

This Sustainability Report, the first produced by Co-operative Financial Services (CFS), relates to the operations and Partners of the Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) and The Co-operative Bank plc. Unless otherwise stated, performance relates to the calendar year 2003. Where significant, material events have occurred in the early part of 2004, these are also commented upon.

Previous reports relating to CIS' and the bank's sustainability activites can be found at www.cis.co.uk and www.co-operativebank.co.uk respectively.

Assurance on the data and commentary detailed within this Report is provided by justassurance, in accordance with the AA1000 Assurance Standard. Follow this link to the auditors' assurance statement.