John Spedan Lewis, our founder, had an ambitious vision of employee co-ownership with the happiness of Partners as the ultimate purpose, and the Partnership has always acted on the principle that there should be more to a job than just work and pay. Our policies and leisure benefits are designed to help Partners balance their work and home lives and therefore stay committed to long-term careers with the Partnership.

Our Constitution states that: 'The Partnership aims to employ and retain as its members people of ability and integrity who are committed to working together and to supporting its Principles. Relationships are based on mutual respect and courtesy, with as much equality between its members as differences of responsibility permit. The Partnership aims to recognise their individual contribution and reward them fairly.'