Governance Review Part 2
The first round of consultation on the governance review has been completed, and a document published called “Towards a Programme of Renewal”. In it, review leader Andrew Purkis (pictured left) sets out his initial recommendations for bringing YHA’s governing structure into line with its stated aims and with the stresses of the 21st century.
Of particular interest to visitors of this site will be his attitude to YHA Groups. What’s perhaps surprising is that he doesn’t appear to have one:
I do not feel sufficiently well informed to venture a view at this stage on how such reforms would affect the current position in YHA governance of Affiliated Groups (including former Local Groups). Would they feel able to express their views and needs via revitalised regional arrangements as proposed above? Or would there remain good grounds for separate representation at the AGM, and distinct gatherings of affiliated groups? I shall welcome further consultation and views.
Affiliated groups currently elect five representatives to the Association’s AGM (formerly known as National Council). Dr Purkis proposes quite a shake-up to this body, but again he’s ambivalent to the role groups might play:
For the reasons explained [...] above, I need more consultation and advice before recommending the keeping or removal of separate representation for what are now Affiliated Groups (including former Local and Hostelling Groups) as part of this mixed economy. This reflects my inadequate knowledge, not any judgement of the Groups in question. For the time being, I shall assume that any separate representation of them would replace some of the places assigned to the other categories.
So, he’s asking for further consultation from groups, it’s up to us to provide it. There’s going to be a meeting in London to discuss the process, as well as sessions at Regional Councils. He’s also hopefully going to attend the Groups’ Conference. However, I think written submissions will have the greatest impact.
The full document is available from the YHA site, as is a covering letter and the second edition of Andrew’s so-called blog. Submissions should be sent to governancereview@yha.org.uk or can be posted to Matlock. Once there, they’ll be treated in confidence and not shown to anybody else.
That seems a shame to me. One of the features of a debate is that all points of view are aired in public, giving one the chance to hear what’s being said on every side to the topic in question. With this in mind, I shall be publishing my own submission on this site, and will be happy to publish anybody else’s who wishes me to do so. Alternatively, use the forum or the comments section below to share your views.
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