u3a - AGM 2024 - Special resolution

The AGM Special Resolution

How will it affect our u3a?

If the resolution is passed:

from April 2025, we will have a more inclusive, modern, UK wide organization where u3as will have better opportunity to influence the development of the u3a movement, with enhanced representation and two-way communication speeding up the implementation of agreed changes.
u3as’ independent operation, committee and trustees’ responsibilities and charity status will remain unchanged.
No increase to the annual subscription is anticipated as most meetings will be on-line to save on administrative costs

Extensive details about the Fit for the Future project were mailed to all u3as during the five-month consultation process, together with on-line and in person presentations delivered to Networks, Regions and Home Nations. Following detailed analysis of all the feedback received, at its meeting in June, the Board of the Trust agreed the terms of a Special Resolution to be put to the AGM on 16 October 2024. These papers were distributed to all u3as on 5 July 2024. This is a very short summary, highlighting only the main points of the Special Resolution and how to vote.

The special resolution will require a 75% majority of the votes cast to be in favour in order for it to be passed.
As it is a special resolution proposed by the Board, no amendments are permitted.
In order to vote, u3as must have completed their annual return and paid their subscription to the Trust. Please remember to register to vote (when invited to do so) and ensure you use the same email address as you will use at the AGM.

The Special Resolution:

THAT the draft Articles of Association [circulated to members of the Company and a copy of which is produced to the meeting] be adopted as the Company's Articles of Association in substitution for, and to the exclusion of, the Company's existing Articles of Association which will, inter alia, establish a new Board and Council with effect from 1 April 2025.

The changes will allow for:

the formation of a much smaller Board, all of whose officers and members are elected nationally. (Their suitability to stand for election will be checked by a Nominations Committee, composed mostly of ex-trustees.)
the formation of a Council of elected representatives from all nine English regions, the three home nations, and the chair of Network link, together with some ex-officio members such as Strategy Group chairs. To ensure effective liaison, the chair of the Council will be an ex-officio member of the Board (without a vote) and a Board member, probably the vice-chair, will attend Council meetings (also without a vote).
All appropriate elections will be held between November 2024 and March 2025.

A brighter future:

A more realistic workload for both Trustees and Council members, which should encourage more volunteers.
The special resolution has deliberately been kept as simple as possible on legal advice. This is to allow for maximum flexibility as the new system is rolled out and used in practice.
Regular reviews have been built into the programme, as small adjustments are inevitably going to be required.

You can view the Fit for the Future documentation in the Members Area. You will need to login to access content in the Members Area.

View the Fit for the Future documentation

You can read the papers distributed to all u3as.

Read the Special Resolution mailing

The email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. is still being monitored if you wish to send comments.