Welcome to the second report from the Governance Review Committee (GRC) on how we are helping to shape the future of the Consumers’ Association (CA).
Six months on from the publication of our first report, ‘The Future Governance of Which?’, I am pleased to update you on the progress we are making.
Which?’s first priority is to empower UK consumers. The aim of this review is to ensure that Which? is underpinned by a modern governance framework where trust and transparency flourish.
Which? occupies a unique and important position as the only charity in the UK working at the intersection of consumers, business and policymakers, to create lasting positive change for millions of people.
As such, it must be fit for the future: open, accountable and answerable; easy to understand and easy to lead; and empowered by a valued and diverse membership. The charity must inspire the confidence and belief of its members, supporters and staff if it is to successfully achieve its mission.
The future of good governance
As stated in the first report, governance alone won’t create a brilliant organisation. However, ensuring the right framework and mechanisms are in place is crucial to enabling Which? to perform at its best.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported the review so far for their enthusiasm and valuable input, particularly the hundreds of members who took the time to respond to the survey we emailed in November 2018.
In February we held a ‘Future of Good Governance’ panel event to develop our thinking. Involving more than 40 external guests, 15 Ordinary Members and a number of Which? employees, the event identified three key areas that we will focus on in this report:
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Meaningful engagement – engaging with members to encourage and enable wider participation and to drive activity
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Transparency – demonstrating that Which? is open, efficient and trusted
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Council expertise – drawing on diversity of expertise, experience and thinking to develop effectiveness
In this report (PDF download) we present some of the options that will enable Which? to evolve in a world that is increasingly challenging for consumers to navigate, and ever more demanding on Which? as an organisation.
We are continuing to listen carefully to your feedback before we come forward with a final set of recommendations for consideration by Council.
Please carry on engaging with and contributing to this process, which will come to its conclusion at the AGM in November. I very much hope to hear your views on the direction we are taking.
Once you’ve read the report, we’d appreciate it if you would kindly fill out our survey in order to feed back your opinions, give us your thoughts on the proposals, and enable more members to participate in governance.
The survey will also give you the chance to ask your questions about the report or the Governance Review that you would like answered by a member of the committee.
You can also ask your questions directly in our live Q&A on Which? Conversation – join us from 3pm–4pm on Tuesday 25 June.