Employee ownership explained
We believe everyone benefits when the people most closely involved in providing care have a meaningful stake in the organisation’s future.
Sharing ownership with the people who make care possible
Nightingales decided that a better way to do business was to share the rewards of ownership with the employees who make its services what they are.
When the people most involved have a stake in the outcome, colleagues are encouraged to think and act like owners. We believe that strengthens job satisfaction, resilience and the quality of service residents and families experience.
From an idea to shared ownership
The scheme has developed in clear stages, beginning in 2014 and coming to fruition in 2021.
The journey begins
Nightingales began developing a way for employees to share in the organisation’s ownership and success.
The scheme comes to fruition
Twenty per cent of the company was set aside under a Hybrid Employee Ownership Scheme.
Partners share in success
Employees benefit through the annual Partners Bonus, with direct share ownership available to eligible long-serving colleagues.
An annual share in the rewards
Every year, the Partners Bonus is shared among employees according to how much they have contributed since the scheme began. The bonus is equivalent to 25% of any dividends paid on the company’s original Founder Shares.
The amount each employee receives is based on their cumulative earnings since the scheme began in 2014.
- Greater involvement
Front-line knowledge helps shape how the organisation develops. - Shared success
Employees can benefit financially when the organisation performs well. - Stronger engagement
A personal stake encourages responsibility, commitment and teamwork. - Benefits for residents
People who feel invested in their work are well placed to provide thoughtful, dependable care.
An opportunity for long-serving colleagues
Nightingales is also offering seasoned employees—those with more than three years’ service—the opportunity to buy Partner Shares directly.
These shares carry benefits similar to the Founder Shares and are offered at a 66% discount. They can be paid for over three years through the employee’s Partners Bonus, making direct ownership more accessible.
Why employee ownership matters to residents and families
When you rely on Nettlestead, you are supported by people who are personally invested in Nightingales’ success. Employees understand that their own satisfaction and rewards are closely connected to the experience of residents and families.
We believe this creates a positive cycle: better morale and well-being for employees, stronger relationships and higher standards of service for the people receiving care.
A shared interest in good care
The aim is a genuine win-win: engaged employees, satisfied residents and families, and a more resilient organisation.
Employee ownership at Nettlestead
Clear answers about how the scheme works and what it means for employees.
What is employee ownership?
Employee ownership is a form of business ownership in which employees hold a meaningful stake in the company. It can be structured through direct share ownership, an employee ownership trust or another employee share scheme.
What are the benefits of employee ownership for employees?
Employee ownership can allow colleagues to share in financial rewards, contribute more directly to decisions and feel a stronger sense of security and belonging. Employee-owned businesses are also associated with higher morale, engagement and productivity.
What are the benefits of employee ownership for employers?
For employers, employee ownership can strengthen engagement, recruitment and retention. When colleagues have a stake in the organisation, they are encouraged to take a long-term view and contribute their front-line knowledge to improving the service.
How does Nettlestead implement employee ownership?
Nightingales’ employee ownership journey began in 2014 and came to fruition in 2021. Twenty per cent of the company is set aside under a Hybrid Employee Ownership Scheme, which benefits employees through an annual Partners Bonus. Colleagues with more than three years’ service may also have the opportunity to buy Partner Shares directly.
What opportunities are there for employees at Nettlestead?
Employees can build a rewarding career in care, participate in the employee ownership scheme and share in the organisation’s success. Most importantly, they have the opportunity to make a positive difference to residents’ everyday lives.
Talk to the Nettlestead team
Call us if you have questions about employee ownership or visit the Work with us page to learn about joining the team.
