Third Age Trust Consultation on New Board and New Council

You may be aware that since early 2022, the Trust Board has been considering changes that would give u3as more of a voice and would let us spend more time on issues that directly affect u3as and networks. As there is now much more regulation around charities, we also want to make sure that the Board can deal with such matters more effectively.

Presentations were made about this at the AGMs in 2022 and 2023.

To meet these needs, we sought advice from other charities, and we have developed a new structure that complies with Charity Commission rules.

This new structure consists of a smaller Board, focused on governance and finance, and a new “u3a Council” where elected representatives highlight and resolve issues that u3as want to be addressed. 

The following documents explain the background thinking, the concept itself, and a means of achieving the aims. The Q&A sheet goes into more detail about how, why and when the changes could be introduced.

Fit for the Future explanation document

Fit for the Future Q&A document

Over the past months, there have also been various opportunities for u3as to comment on these plans, but we now want to ensure all u3as have an opportunity to contribute to the discussion. We want to hear the comments, thoughts and ideas from u3as before taking the proposals any further.

Comments and suggestions will be collated by the end of April and considered by the Trust Board before taking any decisions.

Please consider the proposals carefully, and send your comments (supportive or otherwise) to: governance@u3a.org.uk.