A Message from Group Executive Director, Theresa Morrissey
The review of the Society’s governance structure has commenced. This is a key strategic priority to ensure the Society is fit for purpose and the future. Eight Council members have been selected to sit on the Governance Steering Group and have met to consider current legislative requirements, evaluate the current governance structure, and consider alternative legal structural options for the future. The governance review will facilitate sustainability and ensure that the actual operations reflect the purposes of the Society. It is vital to ensure that members are engaged throughout the review process as the Society moves forward to a future aligned with our mission and values.
A charity law specialist has been retained to provide legal advice to the Society throughout the process and has delivered a presentation to Council highlighting the current duties and responsibilities of the Council as the body corporate trustee of the Society. The Council was also informed that the Governance Steering Group had appraised structural options, including the 'do nothing' option and the 'minimal change' option, and had determined that these options fail to meet the objective of delivering a governance structure that is fit for purpose and the future. It has been confirmed that the Steering Group will thoroughly analyse potential legal structures.
One option is to amend the current governance structure of the Society, including restructuring the corporate trustee (currently the Society’s Council). Such a reform to the current structure would also require revisions to the Society’s governing document. This revised structure would involve separating the corporate trustee role from the Council and electing a smaller group of members to serve as the corporate trustee.
Another option would involve converting RUAS into a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Such a conversion is a significant legal and structural change which would require a carefully managed process involving legal, regulatory, and stakeholder considerations. Several other agricultural societies have successfully adopted this structure.
The Society is committed to engaging with its members as it progresses through this review. It values the input of its members and is mindful that the recent survey confirmed the importance of developing a governance structure that encourages participation from the next generation.
We look forward to your continued involvement.
Regards
Theresa Morrissey
Group Executive Director, Royal Ulster Agricultural Society
