Constitution
A constitution is simply the aims and rules that your setting will use.
It’s a written understanding of what your setting is going to do and how it is going to do it.
It is important because:
- Without a written understanding people can easily find themselves at cross purposes and the jobs won’t get done.
- It will serve as a reference, and help to resolve problems in times of controversy.
- Outsiders, and especially potential funders, will want to see that your setting is democratic and accountable. This involves having a clear procedure by which decisions are made.
The core structure of the constitution should follow legal guidelines in order for it to be valid, however the ‘objects’ or aims of the setting are unique and the constitution should reflect these.
For these reasons it is important to try and get a constitution that actually reflects the way in which you do things, or want to do things. There is no point in lumbering yourself with a lot of bureaucracy you don’t want, or writing down loads of things you don’t intend to do, simply because you think they are what people expect. It is best to have a discussion in the setting and decide what everyone wants to do, rather than send someone away to draft a long document that everyone ignores!
Your constitution should reflect what your setting wants to do, and so will be different from the constitutions of other settings.
Guidance and example constitution - www.charity-commission.gov.uk/