Employee ownership is a global movement. From the UK’s pioneering EOT model, to thriving ESOPs in North America and innovative trust-based schemes in Europe, Australia, Africa, and beyond, thousands of businesses are empowering their employees to secure legacies and build more resilient futures. EO Sector proudly connects with a global network of partners, advocates, and associations championing ownership at scale
The UK’s EOT Innovation—Now Inspiring Worldwide
The Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), legislated in the UK since 2014, has become the reference model for trust-based employee ownership globally. Countries including Canada, Australia, and the US are adapting the EOT concept to suit local governance, tax frameworks, and business traditions, while continental Europe sees rapid growth in employee share ownership schemes and trust-based approaches.
Leading Global Employee Ownership Associations
Connect with expert organisations building capacity, advocacy, and best practice in employee ownership worldwide:
United Kingdom
Employee Ownership Association (EOA)
Employee Ownership Ireland (EOI)
USA - National Center for Employee Ownership
USA - The ESOP Association
Europe (multi) - European Federation of Employee Share Ownership (EFES)
Canada - Employee Ownership Canada
Australia - Employee Ownership Australia
Ireland - Irish ProShare Association
Japan - Japan Employee Ownership Association
South Africa - Southern Africa Employee Ownership Association
Netherlands - SNPI (Nederlands Participatie Instituut)
Slovenia - Inštitut za ekonomsko demokracijo (IED)
Connect, Learn, and Collaborate
EO Sector members and site visitors are encouraged to: