FIT FOR THE FUTURE
Zoom meeting re Fit for the Future 5.2.24
42 individuals attended this, which was chaired by Susan Parker, the South West Region Trustee, and run by Susie Berry, the South East Region Trustee. The same presentation was being made all over the country, though it was not available as a PDF as the steering committee wanted to ensure that everyone presenting it used the same script. Following the 2022 AGM, national office have been looking into changing the governance of the Third Age Trust (TAT).
Proposals Developed over the last two years in conjunction with the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), a Pilot Council has been running for 12 months. These proposals are not a fait accompli, and the national office is now trying to find out if there is support for these changes.
Why change the current arrangements?
• To provide a platform for direct u3a representation
• To ensure clear oversight and compliance
• It was agreed at AGM that we need to change the current arrangements
• To improve quality of governance
• To represent the interests of u3as in their regions (the Trustees often don’t have the time to do this – conflict of interests)
What changes are proposed? Two new different bodies:
• A new u3a Council – two reps per region, 3 u3a members representing networks – a conduit for exchange of information
• A u3a Board – up to 10 members experienced in oversight and compliance elected by members
How will reps be appointed? All elected by membership, no outsiders. U3a Council elected by region/nation or from network link. Skills required identified by Nomination Committee. Proposed and seconded by u3as as at present.
Will u3as lose their voice and representation? Don’t think so. Regional and National Trustees do not represent the views and interests of their u3as, mainly seem to protect the interests of the u3a. Creation of a Council should strengthen views of u3as. Small boards can focus on oversight, financial and local charities – charity law being more and more onerous.
Council Reps Previously no formal route for two-way communication. The Council would have greater power than at present – could identify needs of u3as and consider u3a-wide priorities. Encourage participation in decisions, contribute to overall decisions on budget and strategy, act as spokesmen for the u3a movement in their area, liaise with other organisations, be a conduit for communication with networks and u3as in their region/nation. Give regular reports of activities.
Board of Trustees Have legal responsibility – don’t we already have committees which deal with u3a matters – Yes and No. Over the years lots of committees set up, but these have drited in focus and are now rather vague. Will have focussed groups for members and staff, report to the Council not the Board. Need a single u3a identity.
How will u3as be affected? No change to local independent operation, or to local trustees’ responsibilities, or to local charity status. But introduction of Council will give opportunity for more direct intervention.
Won’t changes involve more costs? Council currently meet 4 times a year, 2 in person and 2 on line. All committees meet on line. Much smaller part of the annual budget. The Board would all meet on line (down in numbers from 18 to 10), so only a very small addition.
How would changes be introduced?
• Consultation period up to April 2024 – comments to governance@u3a.org.uk
• May/June - Board decides on a Resolution
• June – Resolution goes out to all u3as for information
• July/Oct – Q&As
• 18th Oct – Resolution submitted to AGM. To be passed it needs to have 75% of the votes cast at the AGM.
• Oct-Apr – Nomination and election of Council and Board
• April 25 – Current Board and Council dissolved and new ones start
What if the Resolution is rejected? Current Board needs support or else it is back to the drawing board.
What happens next?
• April – Comments and responses collected and evaluated.
• May – Steering group produces recommendation.
No PDF of this presentation available for members. There are other issues outstanding – Beacon revamp and the roll-out of the new Website. How will these proposed changes make a difference? There are benefits for trustees.
How is the Council going to focus on the right things for everyone? One central organisation for a diverse system – every u3a is different. Existing system is creaking at the seams, so needs changing. Will there be additional staff costs? We think it is affordable. What do other organisations similar to ours do – eg Boy Scouts, Citizens Advice, Magistrates Association. The NCVO will be advising until June. Trend is towards smaller and more effective boards. Council has no executive powers. TAT should be looking at how it communicates with u3as. Many professional institutions have adopted this model, needs effective membership.
Meetings all held in London, why not move around the country? Everyone can get to London, and there is free use of a conference room at HQ.
Urgently need good publicity and marketing – this is up to local u3as. What are members of staff doing – should have recorded this zoom session so it could have been shared. Need to go back to its roots. How are changes going to improve membership? Current Board was taken up with governance and no time for anything else.
Need to take soundings of members – share this Zoom. 3 other dates for further presentations to come so other members can attend.