Governance
Scott Bader has been a Common Trusteeship Company for over 50 years, with no external shareholders. Its shares are held by Scott Bader Commonwealth Limited, a Company Limited by guarantee and a Registered Charity.
Scott Bader has a clear set of values and guiding principles handed down by the Founder Ernest Bader when he gifted the company to the workers in 1951. His intention was to create a company whose well-being is entrusted to those who work in it, with democratic involvement.
The people that work at Scott Bader can become Members of the Commonwealth and as such become trustees-in-common of the company assets. Each generation must ensure the ongoing success of the organisation so that future generations can benefit from its continued existence.
The way the democratic involvement happens is via the Governance structure:
- There are Directors on Board of the Charity elected from Membership
- There are Directors on the Group Board and some of the International Company Boards elected from Membership
- There is an international Members' Assembly that represents the interests of everyone that works for Scott Bader that deals with Group issues
- There are Local Councils in each of the large manufacturing sites to work with management on local issues
This unusual structure of self-governance provides significant additional dimensions to business and employment relationships and our interaction with the wider community.
- Business relationships are more sustainable because Scott Bader cannot be taken over - it is totally independent.
- Workers have a greater role to play in the company than just performing their day-to-day role
- Charitable status brings an obligation to the wider community particularly those less fortunate.
Scott Bader is a member of The Employee Ownership Association www.employeeownership.co.uk
If you are interested in further information about Scott Bader and our Governance and principles there are published sources of information to read or you can contact our Commonwealth office: