Chris Earnshaw

President, John Lewis Partnership Council @John Lewis Partnership

London, GB

The President of the Partnership Council is a role elected by the body of Partnership Council to lead the Council and the Democratic Vitality team to ensure their continuing vitality. I have constitutional responsibility for “the independence, health and effectiveness of the Partnership’s representative bodies”and supporting them “with the necessary practical arrangements to maximise their effectiveness.” I chair the Partnership Council meetings with the Chairman, Executive team and Partnership Board.I am responsible for deciding where and how the Partnership’s democratic structures should be established and for giving detailed guidelines for their operation.The role of President is independent of management, but works to ensure that Partnership Council, as one of the three Governing Authorities, fulfils its purpose and fulfils its authority as set out in the Constitution.The shared aim of the three governing authorities is to safeguard the Partnership’s future, to enhance its prosperity and to ensure its integrity.