A Brilliant Day of Learning, Insight and Energy – OAUK’s February Employee Ownership Event

There’s something special about bringing together people who are passionate about employee ownership.

March 18, 2026

There’s something special about bringing together people who are passionate about employee ownership — and our recent OAUK Employee Ownership Learning Event on 25 February 2026 was a perfect example of that.

From experienced trustees to those just starting their journey, the room was filled with curiosity, openness, and a shared commitment to building better businesses through employee ownership.

A Resounding Success

The feedback speaks for itself.

  • 100% of attendees found the session useful
  • 75% rated it “extremely useful”
  • 100% said the timing was “just right”
  • 100% would recommend the session to others (5/5 rating)

But beyond the numbers, it’s the words of participants that really bring the day to life:

“A well-considered event that went at a great pace, with a mix of presentation and interactive case studies that really brought everything to life.”

“Employee Ownership explained in a clear, understandable and comprehensive way.”

“A great, informative session which has given me confidence in taking up a future trustee role.”

Practical Learning That Sticks

This wasn’t just a presentation — it was a hands-on, thought-provoking experience.

We explored:

  • The role of the Trust in an employee-owned company
  • The distinct responsibilities of Trustees and Directors
  • How to assess decisions “for the benefit of employees”
  • Real-life case studies and dilemmas faced by trustees

The interactive case studies in particular stood out:

“The case studies made it real — it helped me understand how decisions actually play out in practice.”

Participants stepped into real roles, debated decisions, and explored the complexities that trustees and directors face every day.

Real Conversations, Real Insights

What stood out most was the quality of discussion.

From governance challenges to cultural considerations, attendees shared experiences across sectors — from long-established employee-owned businesses to those actively exploring transition.

“It was really valuable to hear perspectives from different businesses — it shows how widely employee ownership can work.”

The mix of perspectives created a dynamic learning environment where:

  • Questions were welcomed
  • Experiences were shared openly
  • And practical solutions were explored together

Why These Events Matter

Employee ownership is not just a structure — it’s a way of thinking.

As we discussed throughout the day, the Trust plays a pivotal role:

  • Holding the board to account
  • Protecting the long-term interests of employees
  • Ensuring decisions align with the company’s purpose

“This session really clarified the role of the trustee — it’s not what I expected, but it’s far more important.”

And importantly — doing so with balance. Not too passive, not too controlling, but always thoughtful and informed.

Building Confidence, Not Just Knowledge

One of the strongest themes from the day was confidence.

For many attendees, the session wasn’t just about understanding the theory — it was about feeling ready to apply it:

“I now feel much more confident about what good governance looks like in an employee-owned business.”

That confidence is critical. Because strong employee ownership depends on informed, engaged, and empowered people.

Join Us in September

If you’ve been thinking about attending one of our sessions, this is your sign.

Our next OAUK Employee Ownership Learning Event in September will build on this momentum — continuing to offer:

  • Practical, real-world learning
  • Interactive sessions and case studies
  • A supportive, collaborative environment
  • Access to a network of like-minded professionals

“A must-do session for anyone involved in employee ownership.”

Whether you’re a trustee, director, adviser, or exploring employee ownership for the first time — you’ll leave better informed, more confident, and better connected.

Be Part of the Conversation

Employee ownership continues to grow — and with it, the need for strong governance, informed trustees, and confident leadership.

We’d love you to be part of that journey.

📩 To register your interest for the September event, contact:
Carole Leslie – Ownership Associates UK
carole@ownershipassociates.co.uk