Our principles

The John Lewis Partnership's seven principles define how we run our business. They are as relevant today as they were when they were set out by our founder, John Spedan Lewis, in our constitution.

Nicki Baggott, David Northcroft, and farmer Harry Hall in a field

Fruit Buyer, Nicki Baggott, David Northcroft, Fresh Produce Development Manager, and farmer Harry Hall

Purpose

The Partnership's ultimate purpose is the happiness of all its members, through their worthwhile and satisfying employment in a successful business. Because the Partnership is owned in trust for its members, they share the responsibilities of ownership as well as its rewards profit, knowledge and power.

The video 'Employee Ownership, A Shared Passion', explains how our employee owned business model operates in practice, and offers insight and advice to anyone wanting to learn more about this sort of model and its benefits.

Watch the Employee Ownership, A Shared Passion video (2:45 minutes)

Watch the Employee Ownership, A Shared Passion video with subtitles (2:45 minutes)

Power

Power in the Partnership is shared between three governing authorities: the Partnership Council, the Partnership Board and the Chairman.

Profit

The Partnership aims to make sufficient profit from its trading operations to sustain its commercial vitality, to finance its continued development and to distribute a share of those profits each year to its members, and to enable it to undertake other activities consistent with its ultimate purpose.

Members

The Partnership aims to employ 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 contributions and reward them fairly.

Customers

The Partnership aims to deal honestly with its customers and secure their loyalty and trust by providing outstanding choice, value and service.

Business relationships

The Partnership aims to conduct all its business relationships with integrity and courtesy and to honour scrupulously every business agreement.

The community

The Partnership aims to obey the spirit as well as the letter of the law and to contribute to the wellbeing of the communities where it operates.

Our founder
John Spedan Lewis remains our inspiration today. Read his story.
Our approach
Our approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the cornerstone of our business.
Pay and benefits
We aim to be market leading, and have always believed there's more to a job than just work and pay.