Notice of a DCA Special General Meeting

The Duffield Community Association (DCA) is calling a Special General Meeting (SGM) on Monday 1st December 7.30 pm at the Weston Centre to vote upon a resolution for the DCA to convert to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and to adopt a constitution aligning to the Charity Commission model for a CIO.

The move to becoming a CIO will have minimal effect on the day-to-day operations of the DCA, the changes will be at a governance level. The DCA will continue in its role to support the development of the community that is Duffield Village by, staging events, enhancing public areas, promoting volunteering and supporting other village groups with their projects.

Why the change? The DCA, a registered charity, was formed in 1972 under the auspices of the National Federation of Community Associations (NFRA), a body that was dissolved in 2017. Our current 53-year-old constitution follows the guidelines of the now defunct NFRA, its references are out of date and it no longer reflects current lifestyles.

Another driver for becoming a CIO is that currently the DCA Trustees can be held personally liable for the DCA’s activities – a powerful disincentive when looking for new trustees to continue the stewardship of the DCA.

The first step to becoming a CIO is for a resolution to be passed agreeing to this change, hence the calling of an SGM. If the resolution is adopted the DCA can then apply to the Charity Commission for CIO status. The SGM is to be held at the Weston Centre on Monday 1st December at 7.30 pm.

DCA members and the representatives of all the DCA affiliated organisations are urged to attend the SGM.

Copies of the proposed new constitution and the SGM agenda are available on request from nigel@duffieldvillage.co.uk or sending a SAE to the DCA registered address: 31 Avenue Road, Duffield. DE56 4DW

Nigel Hooker. DCA President