Regional Support Team
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| Trustee for | |
| the North East | |
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| Jean Cubbin |
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Regional Support Team and their Home U3As
 |  | ||
| Mo Brown | Pam Turner | Jane Mathieson | |
| Newcastle | Morpeth | Teesdale |
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Fit for the Future
This is the latest from our Regional Trustee
Fit For the Future Update 6th April 2024
Jean Cubbin, 6/04/24
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The u3a Pilot Council
To give u3as a more powerful voice, the Third Age Trust is considering changes to its governance.
Change is being driven by the u3a Board of Trustees, all of whom are u3a members with twelve being elected regional or national Trustees. In order to improve the skill set of Board members and allow elected representatives of regions and nations more time to attend to matters concerning their member u3as, we believe the u3a movement requires this change.
The vision is for a smaller elected Board to handle governance alongside a regionally and nationally elected Council, with delegated powers, representing u3as.
This will also provide a vitally needed forum where u3as’ ideas, concerns and experiences can be discussed and used to shape decision making. We are testing how this model might work through a ‘Pilot Council’.
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Pilot Council Update
We have benefited from the insights of the first two of the Pilot Council meetings, comprised of the Regional & National Trustees plus one additional member from each region and nation, together with representatives of Network Link and the four main committees. Thank you to everyone who has participated in the process so far.
For our third Pilot Council meeting, all u3as were invited to submit questions, concerns and ideas for the agenda. The session went very well with members splitting in to smaller groups to discuss a number of different topics including advertising and promoting the movement nationally; attracting a more diverse membership & the definition of paid tutors. We agreed to set up a working group to better understand the problems of dementia and how best to address them.
We also heard an update from Sam Mauger on the National Strategy, a progress report on plans for the Festival in July 2024 and confirmed that Trustees and members of staff will always try to make themselves available for requested visits.
Liz Thackray is slowly working her way around the country visiting as many members as possible, but like everyone else she cannot just turn up - she has to wait to be invited. Pilot Council also gave feedback and ideas about the Board’s vision, which will be considered for contributing to future strategy setting, budgeting and national initiatives.
The notes of the meeting can be found on the u3a website: Trust and Trustee Updates
The change: – a future Council would bring a stronger u3a voice to the centre of u3a Board work.
Your Voice Your Opportunity
There is much to do before we can firm up how a Council might work. The Board would like your input to the next Pilot Council meeting which will be held on Zoom on 13 December. A following in person one is scheduled for 28 February.
Please submit your own topics, questions and ideas that you would like to see on the next agenda to: u3a council
If you have questions, please contact me Jean Cubbin, Regional Trustee
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Model Constitution Proposed Changes
The Model Constitution is being updated to incorporate changes to help u3as fill their committee posts.
27/1/24
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Zoom Workshops
The Third Age Trust has developed workshops in partnership with u3a members to provide support, information and advice for all u3a members. The workshops are delivered online using Zoom by Trust volunteers who bring their experience as Trustees, u3a Chairs and Committee members.
The workshops are informal and informative and provide a great opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with u3a members, share best practice and experiences and learn with others from across the UK.
Click here to find out more: workshops
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YouTube
- u3a has a dedicated YouTube channel and this now includes u3a podcasts. Click the link to find it: u3a YouTube