What is a Mutual?

A public service mutual is an organisation which has left the public sector (also known as ‘spinning out’) but continues to deliver public services. Mutuals are organisations in which employee control plays a significant role in their operation.

There are many forms of mutual - you might think of major employee-owned businesses like John Lewis or building societies such as Nationwide which are fully or majority owned by their members. But mutuals can also be co-operatives or social enterprises.

For more information, find out How to set up a Mutual or read our selection of inspiring Case Studies.