Dear Friends,

The Friends’ Constitution

In keeping with good Governance practice, Council (as Trustees of the Friends) regularly reviews the Friends’ Constitution to make sure it is ‘fit for purpose’. The last review of the was in 2016 and so it was felt appropriate to update and refresh.

In the new version, our Objects and, indeed, substantially all the provisions of the old Constitution (save for those highlighted below) remain largely unchanged. It was also felt that a simplification of the layout and numbering would make what is, inevitably, quite a complex document, easier to understand.

We have taken the opportunity to update the reference to applicable charity legislation and to allow Council (when appropriate and necessary), to meet and make decisions online.

The new version also enables us – as a ‘small’ charity – to take advantage of relatively recent Charity Commission changes which permit us to be Independently Examined – a rather less costly form of independent annual review than a full audit.

Minor variations to the length of membership of Council have been made; this is to align with changes to periods of service recently agreed at the Cathedral under the 2021 Cathedrals Measure.

Finally, we have added two items to the ‘Fulfilment of Objects’: the power to make donations to the Cathedral (following consultation with the Chapter of Salisbury) and the power to invest. The former was previously ‘hidden’ amongst Powers and Proceedings of Council and the latter altogether absent.

Friends are asked to consider and, if agreed, to approve at the AGM the adoption of the new Constitution.

Friends are warmly invited to raise any questions that they may have – either at the meeting or, in advance – via Natalie Maylen, the Friends’ Administrator. Should any Friend not have a copy of the 2016 version of the Constitution and wish to see one, Natalie will be happy to email them a copy.