DRAFT Members Only
Governing Document
A governing document is the foundation of your early years setting and acts as the organisation’s rule book. Depending on how your setting is structured, this may be known as a constitution or articles of association.
The governing document outlines:
The purpose of the organisation
Committee or director roles and responsibilities
Membership and voting rights
Meeting procedures and quorum requirements
Financial management and arrangements
AGM procedures
Processes for making amendments
A powers clause, outlining what the organisation is permitted to do in order to achieve its purpose
Dissolution arrangements if the setting closes
It is important that settings regularly review their governing document and ensure that all decisions and processes are carried out in line with it, If there is ever any uncertainty or disagreement, the governing document should be the first point of reference.
Some settings may operate as companies and therefore have articles of association. These are generally used by incorporated organisations and often include a liability clause, which helps protect members or directors from personal liability where they have acted appropriately.
Templates and model governing documents are available from the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland Model governing documents | CCNI. These can be adapted to suit the needs and governance arrangements of your organisation.
We are happy to provide guidance and support to settings in understanding and applying their governing document effectively.
