The Citizens Trust is a democratic, member-led organisation. It is not-for-profit and relies on its members to decide what direction we all take together as part of the Trust.
However, that comes with a need for transparency and accountability.
Members can’t be expected to put their effort into the work of the Trust if decisions are made in back rooms without their input. We can’t ask members to come with ideas and enthusiasm if there is no transparency over finances and operations.
After all, everyone has seen what happens when organisations which claim to represent football supporters are closed shops. We all lose out.
To avoid that happening with the Trust, there are a number of things that will always take place:
- Meeting minutes will be published promptly and will be publicly accessible to members on the website.
- Elections will be held for all Board posts on a regular, scheduled basis.
- Elections will be open to any member who fulfils the requirements.
- Elected members are held to account with clear conflict of interest policies so members can be assured Board members are not in receipt of gifts or privileges which might sway their judgement. For example, accepting hospitality tickets or invites to special club events.
- Elected members are subject to term limits which are publicly agreed following the election.
- Elections are managed by independent monitors from the Football Supporters Association and all results will be publicly available.
- The Trust’s finances will be publicly available, and members can request more information at any stage. Accounts will be published annually and finance updates will be given to members at All Member Meetings.
- Scheduled surveys of the membership’s opinions and feelings on a range of subjects including the operation of the Trust, our stance on club-related issues and more.
- There is a clear disciplinary policy and process which applies to all members equally, whether they are Elected or not. This will be managed by an independent panel as per the Disciplinary Procedure.
Additionally, all members are welcome to join any of the Trust’s governing committees at regularly scheduled meetings. It is here that the Trust’s direction and actions are set, giving members control over the society. The committees:
- Assist with the running of the Trust
- Propose ideas for Trust activities
- Develop those ideas and make them real
- Feed back to other members about the success of those ideas
If you want to understand and take part in the running of the Trust, the committees are where it all happens. Join the Trust today to get started.
