GOVERNANCE REVIEW

 

Hampstead Community Action (HCA), the charity which runs the Hampstead Community Centre is undertaking a governance review and has opened up a public consultation programme.

 

The Hampstead Community Centre has long been a vital local resource providing facilities for community services and activities for local people.

 

The centre has a long and proud history serving the Hampstead community. As it approaches its 50th Anniversary in 2026, HCA is looking to the future and asking the local community to get involved in shaping the community centre for the decades to come.

 

Governance review

 

Alongside this, HCA has identified a need to modernise its outdated governance structure. The governance review will be carried out in accordance with the Charity Commission guidance on modern practice. 

 

The review includes the drafting of a new Memorandum and Articles of Association based closely on the Charity Commission’s model, to replace the existing governing document which dates from 1976. The revised governing document will ensure the charity remains compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.

 

The governance review is already underway and is expected to last until early 2026. On completion, and after approval by the Charity Commission, a new constitution will be adopted.

 

HCA is committed to ensure that it is governed in a way that supports its founding charitable objectives and continues to serve the needs of the local community.

 

Q&A

 

1. What is a governance review?

A governance review is simply a process to check that the structures and governing documents which set out how a charity is organised and managed are up to date. In the case of HCA, the trustees are conducting this review as part of their statutory duty under the Charities Act 2011 to ensure that the charity’s governing document is fit for purpose and compliant with current company and charity law and regulatory requirements.

 

2. What does the governance review entail?

The review includes the drafting of a new Memorandum and Articles of Association based closely on the Charity Commission’s model, to replace the existing governing document which dates from 1976. The revised document will allow us to preserve our original charitable objectives while streamlining outdated provisions and aligning with modern expectations.

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3. Why are you conducting this governance review now?

As we approach our 50th Anniversary in 2026, we have begun looking to the future to ensure that the centre remains a vibrant community hub for many more years to come. As part of our planning, we have identified that our governance arrangements no longer reflect current best practice. We now need to modernise our outdated governance structure and working practices and to broaden the leadership.

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4. Have you informed the Charity Commission?

Yes, we are in contact with the Charity Commission to ensure that we are following the correct procedures and are acting in accordance with best practice. We will continue to consult the Commission to ensure that the review is carried out in the best interests of the charity and those it serves.

 

5. What role will the NCVO play in carrying out the review?

We will be consulting the NCVO to guide us in producing a new updated governing document, alongside professional legal advisors.

 

6. What will happen once the review is completed?

A draft will be completed in late 2025 and will be subject to internal review, legal checks and then consultation and approval from the Charity Commission. On completion a new constitution will be adopted.

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7. Can I become a member of the charity? 

The current constitution has a historical reference to membership at the discretion of the trustees. However, the charity has operated for many years on a trustee-led model without a broader voting membership and currently has no members besides the trustees. As part of the governance review we will consider whether this structure aligns with best practice, and if it needs to be updated.

 

The current constitution remains in force while we are in the process of revising the governance structure, therefore the trustees have informed the Charity Commission of their decision to “temporarily pause” the admission of new members until the new constitution has been adopted and approved. 

 

8. How can I apply to become a trustee?

While the governance review is ongoing, we are not appointing new trustees. Once the new constitution is in place, an independent, skills-based recruitment process for additional trustees will be conducted, in line with NCVO guidance, to bring in fresh perspectives and strengthen the Board. Anyone who is interested in applying will be able to do so and further information on the process will be available nearer the time.

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9. What refurbishment work has been carried out in the community centre?

Alongside the governance review the centre is investing for the years ahead. Refurbishment work is now underway to refresh the internal and external decorations and to carry out essential building maintenance, including replacing the very old heating system. We are also upgrading two of the stalls in the community market and have a new hot food stall opening in October bringing a unique new food offering to Hampstead.

 

10. Why are you doing this public consultation exercise?

The centre has a long and proud history serving the Hampstead community. As it approaches its 50th Anniversary in 2026, HCA is looking to the future and asking the local community to get involved in shaping the community centre for the decades to come. We want to give the local community a chance to have their say on the role the centre should play in the future and to contribute their thoughts and suggestions on the charity’s work.