Employee Ownership Trustee Appointment Service

Why Independent Trustees are such valuable assets

Over half the transitions to employee ownership trusts have occurred since 2017, with the White Rose annual survey reporting on EO Day last June, that 100 new businesses had converted in the previous 12 months. There are an increasing number of founders and owners choosing the employee ownership model for their businesses. These choices often secure long term sustainable employment, rooted within communities and committed to demonstrating positive values.

There is a common requirement for an employee ownership trust to appoint a mixture of trustees, enabling strategic oversight on behalf of the beneficiaries, with at least one of these being independently appointed. Sometimes these needs can be fulfilled from within your current network, but that may not bring the diversity and perspective your trust board needs. With more transitions to EO and more boards maturing, actively succession planning and challenging their effectiveness, we believe the need for high quality independent trustees will continue to grow.

We recognise the value and importance of effective governance, and the assurances it can bring to organisations. We believe that with independence comes greater integrity, an asset to any organisation, ensuring that business values and purpose are effectively nurtured. We know how independent trustees can spark new conversations, generate discussion and transfer their knowledge to new boards and environments. In addition to their specific areas of expertise, we also believe that effective independent trustees bring the benefits of fresh perspectives, cultural challenge and occasionally a healthy scepticism.

Our joint venture with Russam is focused on supporting employee owned organisations to find the best match for their Trustee Board. Since opening for registrations at the start of this year, over 300 candidates have joined, seeking to share their expertise, spread best practice and promote good governance.

Whether you are a current trustee, have been a trustee previously or are looking to become one, why not take a look at the role and register to ensure you’re in the mix for future opportunities.

We’re very excited to be launching this service, and can’t wait to support employee owned organisations in finding the right trustee for them. Kathie, our lead associate for this service is available to send you further details and discuss your needs in more detail, so feel free to drop us a line if you’re interested.