DSWA members are spread across the UK, and attending Annual General Meetings (AGMs) in person can be difficult for many. This limits participation and delays key decisions – not due to a lack of support, but simply because attending in person isn’t always feasible.
Many organisations have addressed this challenge by introducing virtual or hybrid meetings, enabling members to take part remotely while still counting toward quorum and voting. The Charity Commission supports this approach, noting that excluding members due to physical attendance can create governance risks.
Updating DSWA’s constitution to allow hybrid meetings would make participation more accessible, strengthen democratic processes, and align the society with modern best practice.
To explore this opportunity, the following steps will be taken:
- The Derbyshire Branch are holding their Summer Fete on 13 June 2026, which is open to all members.
- The June Trustee Board Meeting will be held during this event.
- A short general meeting of members will take place at 12 noon which all members are welcome to attend and will vote on the proposed constitutional change:
Proposed amendment to Paragraph 4(a) of the constitution:
Current wording:
“Subject to the following provisions, a quorum is not less than 2% of the members of the charity present in person.”
Proposed wording:
“Subject to the following provisions, a quorum is not less than 2% of the members of the charity present in person and/or present via electronic means, allowing for a hybrid meeting.”
This simple change will make it easier for everyone to take part, strengthen our democracy, and ensure that DSWA decisions reflect the views of all members, wherever they are in the UK.
Brian Hartley