Become a Member

Thinking of becoming a Member of WREP?

Q: What does being a Member involve?

WREP is a partnership between the public, private, voluntary and community organisations in Warwickshire. It is a registered charity but it is also a limited Company and so being a member is a bit like being a shareholder in a company anywhere. Like a shareholder, you will not run the Company on a day-to-day basis. As a member, you delegate this role to a Board of Directors who will be responsible for running the Company. The Board will be expected to keep you up-to-date with its decision-making.

The Board of Directors has an obligation to call a General Meeting at least once a year, involving all the members. At this meeting members will be asked to decide on things like voting on resolutions put by the Board, electing the Directors to the Board, electing the auditors, and approving the accounts. If members are not happy with the running of the Company, they can ask for an extra-ordinary meeting of all members to be called, at which resolutions can be submitted and voted upon.

Q: How much does it cost?

There is absolutely no cost of becoming a member of WREP, only a few qualifying criteria. It is 100% free.

Q: Can anyone become a Member?

WREP is keen to have as wide a representation as possible on its membership list, subject to certain qualifying conditions, which are explained below. Membership is open to any organisation and to a limited number of individuals. All applicants, both organisations and individual members will have to be checked to see if they are eligible, and then be approved by the WREP Board.

Membership is open to all ORGANISATIONS that have been operating for at least 6 months in the Company’s area of benefit that:

• Make a written declaration of their commitment to the WREP's objectives & of their intention to work towards the achievement of these objectives;
• Satisfy the Company that there is nothing in their constitution/aims/actions which conflicts with the Company’s objectives & functions;
• Supply its current constitution or other documents setting out its aims/objectives or an assurance it will do so within 6 months of its admission;
• Provides evidence in writing that it has a bona fide membership;
• Sign to become a member;
• If it employs staff or provides services, it will provide a copy of its equal opportunities policy or an assurance it will adopt such a policy & supply the Company with a copy of it within 6 months of date of admission
• Nominate 1 person annually to serve as voting representative.

The Board can decide to include INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS who:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Live or work in the Company’s area of benefit
• Sign to become a member
• Make a declaration of their commitment to the WREP's objectives & of their intention to work towards the achievement of these objectives

The number of individuals that can become members is limited to no more than one third of the total number of non-public sector organisations in membership. If there are more applications for individual membership than this allows for, the decision on who to admit for individual membership will be decided by the Board on the basis of seeking to ensure that the overall membership reflects as far as possible, all sections of the community (eg new and emerging communities, women, disabled people, rural dwellers, young people etc.).

Q: Can public organisations also become members?

 Yes they can - membership is open to all public bodies operating in Warwickshire:

Open to all PUBLIC BODIES that:

• Make a written commitment to Company’s objectives & of their intention to work towards achievement of these objectives;
• Sign to become a member;
• Provide a copy of its Equal Opportunities Policy to Partnership Board;
• Nominate 1 person annually to serve as voting representative;

Q: How will voting take place?

All organisations in membership of WREP will be entitled to one vote at general meetings of the Company. Organisations will be expected to nominate a representative to attend such meetings and to vote on their behalf. Individual members will also have one vote.

Voting will be decided by the majority view but in calculating this the total votes of the public bodies in membership will count for 40% of the total votes and the total votes of the non-public sector organisations and individuals will count as 60% of the total

Q: How will you benefit from being a member?

Give you an opportunity to help black and minority ethnic communities;

• Enable you to ensure the assets of the Partnership are used to the benefit of the community, as outlined in the Memorandum and Articles of Association;
• Mean you are involved in helping promote Race Equality and good relations throughout the county; and
• Give you some additional skills that you will be able to use in your private and work life.

Q: What will you be expected to give to the Partnership as a member?

• Some of your time – attending the general meeting at least once a year;
• Your knowledge, experience and support in helping the Company achieve its aims; and
• Your commitment and ideas to help make a difference.

To Join WREP as an Individual please complete the 'Membership Application Form - Individuals'

To Join WREP as an Organisation please complete the 'Membership Application Form - Organisations'