[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Rex X]

I think it's important to recognise the shift in emphasis that has occurred 
since the foundation of Wikimedia UK. It was, of course, created as a 
non-profit company and only later gained charity status. This is perhaps 
obvious in the way the the articles reflect the earlier - dare I say simpler? - 
view that members took of the the purpose of WMUK, and of the function of its 
Board of Directors.

The Articles of Association 
https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Articles_of_Association contain important 
guidance on how WMUK is actually constituted. and in the current situation, 
three articles are particularly relevant:

15.3 Any meeting of Directors at which a quorum is present at the time the 
relevant decision is made may exercise all the powers exercisable by the 
Directors.

20.9 The Directors shall appoint a Director to chair their meetings and may at 
any time revoke such appointment

20.11 The person appointed to chair meetings of the Directors shall have no 
functions or powers except those conferred by these articles or delegated to 
him or her by the Directors.

Taken together, it should be clear that the Chair serves at the will of the 
Board, which of course includes both elected and co-opted directors. 
Personally, I don't think it makes any difference whether the Chair is elected 
or co-opted. The choice is wholly controlled by the directors, and they are 
responsible to the membership, either directly or indirectly (in the case of 
co-options or replacements).

It should be equally clear, I hope, that any functions that the Chair exercises 
can only be those that the Board choses to assign to them. Although custom and 
practice have devolved numerous extra functions to the Chair, these cannot be 
inherent in the officer of Chair, and could be recalled by the Board at any 
time.

Similarly, the appointment of Chair can be revoked at any time. Taken with the 
prior point, I feel that this gives sufficient safeguards against any 
appointment that turns out to be problematical.

My only concern at present is that the Chair traditionally has represented the 
Chapter to the wider Wikimedia Movement, and I do hope that whoever is 
appointed will be able to play an active part in the international networks 
that have evolved over the years since we first proposed a Chapters Association.

I would also like to see the membership have a greater voice in the direction 
of WMUK, but I feel that can only be done by long-serving members putting 
themselves forward for election to the Board, and I sincerely hope that some 
will feel able to do so. If not, we may find ourselves in the position of 
having only one regular, long-term Wikipedia editor on the Board after the AGM.

-- 

Doug


> On 25 May 2021 at 19:09 Fæ  wrote:
> 
> Happy to accept your reading of the Articles*, which would mean that the 
> Chair of the Charity would be a "co-opted trustee" under the current Article 
> definitions.
> 
> Having an unelected Chair for the first time in the history of the 
> charity does not seem likely to be perceived by the majority of members as 
> the best way of giving members a meaningful vote on who represents them in 
> their charity.
> 
> *  https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Articles_of_Association
> 
> Fae
> 
> 
> On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 18:38, Joseph Seddon < josephsed...@gmail.com 
> mailto:josephsed...@gmail.com > wrote:
> 
> > > This does not require any amendment.
> > 
> > Thanks,
> > Seddon
> > 
> > On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 6:14 PM Fæ < fae...@gmail.com 
> > mailto:fae...@gmail.com > wrote:
> > 
> > > > > Could you confirm this is the first time that 
> > the Chair of Wikimedia UK has been externally recruited rather than the 
> > role filled after being elected by the charity members as a trustee?
> > > 
> > > Has the process for searching for "role" trustees and 
> > > electing them changed, and the charity's articles been amended and 
> > > published accordingly?
> > > 
> > > Thanks,
> > > Fae
> > > 
> > > On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 16:52, Lucy Crompton-Reid < 
> > > lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk 
> > > mailto:lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk > wrote:
> > > 
> > > > > > > Dear all
> > > > 
> > > > Our excellent Chair of Trustees, Nick Poole, will be 
> > > > stepping down at the AGM in July after six years as a trustee (which is 
> > > > the maximum term) and just over a year as Chair. We are therefore 
> > > > recruiting for a new Chair, and are advertising the role externally as 
> > > > well as promoting the opportunity amongst our existing trustees, 
> > > > committee members, volunteers and wider networks. 
> > > > 
> > > > Please do consider whether this might be the right 
> > > > opportunity for you. If so, do feel free to contact our Communications 
> > > > and Governance Co-ordinator Katie on kati

[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Fæ]

That's really helpful Chris.

So glad that we've all moved on and forgotten about events that
happened so long ago that my grandparents, uncle, niece, and three
relatives that did not have proper funerals last year were alive back
then.

I guess there's more important things for us volunteers to worry about.

Cheers,
Fae

On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 21:36, Chris Keating  wrote:
>
>
>> I really didn't want to get involved in this, but I'm impulsive. However, my 
>> impulsiveness and my prudence have agreed that all I will do is acknowledge 
>> that, yes, the Chair of any charity is a special role with special 
>> responsibilities.I encourage members to think about that.
>
>
> Yes, that's true. Though so far in Wikimedia UK's history, we've always 
> trusted the Board to appoint a Chair who's effective in the post. It's mainly 
> worked pretty well, and I have a lot of confidence in the current Board to 
> find someone good.
>
> However, it is worth thinking about what happens if someone turns out to be a 
> poor Chair. In which case, it's a simple matter for the Board to remove them 
> - there only needs to be a majority vote in a board meeting. Or more likely, 
> they'll quickly get the message and resign before they're sacked.
>
> Chris
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[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Stevie Benton]

I agree. Experience cautions against expectations of perfection as our
hopes and dreams often become victims of cold reality. I think it is our
friend Katie who says that experience is a good school, but one for which
the fees are high. She is proven to be correct, time and time again.

On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 9:36 PM Chris Keating 
wrote:

>
> I really didn't want to get involved in this, but I'm impulsive. However,
>> my impulsiveness and my prudence have agreed that all I will do is
>> acknowledge that, yes, the Chair of any charity is a special role with
>> special responsibilities.I encourage members to think about that.
>>
>
> Yes, that's true. Though so far in Wikimedia UK's history, we've always
> trusted the Board to appoint a Chair who's effective in the post. It's
> mainly worked pretty well, and I have a lot of confidence in the current
> Board to find someone good.
>
> However, it is worth thinking about what happens if someone turns out to
> be a poor Chair. In which case, it's a simple matter for the Board to
> remove them - there only needs to be a majority vote in a board meeting. Or
> more likely, they'll quickly get the message and resign before they're
> sacked.
>
> Chris
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> wikimediau...@wikimedia.org
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[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Chris Keating]

> I really didn't want to get involved in this, but I'm impulsive. However,
> my impulsiveness and my prudence have agreed that all I will do is
> acknowledge that, yes, the Chair of any charity is a special role with
> special responsibilities.I encourage members to think about that.
>

Yes, that's true. Though so far in Wikimedia UK's history, we've always
trusted the Board to appoint a Chair who's effective in the post. It's
mainly worked pretty well, and I have a lot of confidence in the current
Board to find someone good.

However, it is worth thinking about what happens if someone turns out to be
a poor Chair. In which case, it's a simple matter for the Board to remove
them - there only needs to be a majority vote in a board meeting. Or more
likely, they'll quickly get the message and resign before they're sacked.

Chris
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[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Fæ]

On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 21:01, Chris Keating  wrote:
>>
>> Just to note that "Co-opted directors are not lesser, inferior, or less 
>> capable than elected board members or hold any less of a mandate, nor should 
>> they be perceived to be" is an opinion rather than fact.
>
>
> Not really. It's a fact that nothing in the Wikimedia UK constitution, 
> Charity Commission guidance, or the law differentiates the roles of trustees 
> who are elected or appointed.

Yes, nobody can make a clear statement about the *perceptions* of the
members unless they are asked.

>>
>> Elections exist for the express purpose of providing a mandate.
>
>
> Again, according to the articles of association, elections exist for the 
> express purpose of selecting trustees. There is no concept of a 'mandate' in 
> charity law.

This seems very tangential considering that the CC was not being
quoted. The dictionary definition of mandate puts it in the context of
elections, the concept of elections and votes is about creating a
mandate. "Mandate" is not charity law but as was pointed out, there is
no requirement to have elections anyway, so no mandate and no
democratic process, if this is about what the *minimum* in law is.
Again discussing CC guidelines is a tangent.

Though trustees might be elected, the basic point of this thread is
that they are also co-opted, so the statement about "express purpose
of selecting trustees" is incomplete without adding "except for
co-opted trustees".

>>
>>  The change is worthy of discussion among the trustees
>
>
> I imagine they have discussed the matter, though that is pure supposition on 
> my part.
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[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Stevie Benton]

I really didn't want to get involved in this, but I'm impulsive. However,
my impulsiveness and my prudence have agreed that all I will do is
acknowledge that, yes, the Chair of any charity is a special role with
special responsibilities.I encourage members to think about that.

On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 9:01 PM Chris Keating 
wrote:

> Just to note that "Co-opted directors are not lesser, inferior, or less
>> capable than elected board members or hold any less of a mandate, nor
>> should they be perceived to be" is an opinion rather than fact.
>>
>
> Not really. It's a fact that nothing in the Wikimedia UK constitution,
> Charity Commission guidance, or the law differentiates the roles of
> trustees who are elected or appointed.
>
>
>> Elections exist for the express purpose of providing a mandate.
>>
>
> Again, according to the articles of association, elections exist for the
> express purpose of selecting trustees. There is no concept of a 'mandate'
> in charity law.
>
>
>>  The change is worthy of discussion among the trustees
>>
>
> I imagine they have discussed the matter, though that is pure supposition
> on my part.
> ___
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> wikimediau...@wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
> WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
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[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Chris Keating]

>
> Just to note that "Co-opted directors are not lesser, inferior, or less
> capable than elected board members or hold any less of a mandate, nor
> should they be perceived to be" is an opinion rather than fact.
>

Not really. It's a fact that nothing in the Wikimedia UK constitution,
Charity Commission guidance, or the law differentiates the roles of
trustees who are elected or appointed.


> Elections exist for the express purpose of providing a mandate.
>

Again, according to the articles of association, elections exist for the
express purpose of selecting trustees. There is no concept of a 'mandate'
in charity law.


>  The change is worthy of discussion among the trustees
>

I imagine they have discussed the matter, though that is pure supposition
on my part.
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[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Fæ]

Thanks for your views.

Just to note that "Co-opted directors are not lesser, inferior, or less
capable than elected board members or hold any less of a mandate, nor
should they be perceived to be" is an opinion rather than fact. Elections
exist for the express purpose of providing a mandate. Nobody on this email
thread can provide the perceptions of the majority of members on whether a
Chair for the charity ought to always be an elected trustee, or whether
they believe that an unelected Chair can be seen as 100% as "legitimate" as
an elected one.

The role of Chair is special for the charity, so the change from elected to
unelected is an important one, which can be challenged as reducing
democratic accountability in a fundamental way, by co-opting the role to
someone the members never voted for. The change is worthy of discussion
among the trustees, presumably this is already available in
published minutes, but probably could be usefully put to the membership to
find out for sure how fitting with the published values this is perceived
to be, rather than reading comments from the small number of people who
write to this email list.

The board's published statements are interesting when compared with this
strategic change, and might be the basis of useful discussions before
making the change by default:
"Our vision is of a more tolerant, informed and democratic society."
"Ensure that Wikimedia UK’s own policies and practices support diversity
and inclusion"
"Develop Wikimedia UK’s community of contributors, volunteers and members"
Ref: https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Wikimedia_UK_Strategy_2019%E2%80%9322

Thanks again,
Fae

On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 20:18, Joseph Seddon  wrote:

> I'm a member and if the board feels that currently they lack either
> someone with either the capacity, desire or expertise to become chair they
> it is ethically right they try to find someone interested and qualified.
>
> Co-opted directors are not lesser, inferior, or less capable than elected
> board members or hold any less of a mandate, nor should they be perceived
> to be.
>
> There are plenty of formal mechanisms through which the membership can
> express its opinion if it so desires and it would be foolish to make
> assumptions about the member body's perceptions.
>
> On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 7:47 PM Fæ  wrote:
>
>> It is legally correct, whether anyone on the board is elected is not
>> mandated by the Charity Commission's guidelines, that's why it would be
>> foolish for anyone to make such a claim.
>>
>> It is astonishing the types of charity recently approved in the UK, such
>> as a very notably transphobic lobbying group, which may indicate that the
>> theoretical bar of the CC guidelines is not a high one.
>>
>> Anyway, whether the Wikimedia UK board thinks it's more or less ethical
>> to have an unelected Chair for the first time in the charity's history, is
>> their call. Whether the members are allowed to have a voice in this
>> decision, is also the call of the board of trustees. One might be concerned
>> about how this would be perceived by the members, which only matters if
>> members are important stakeholders or their votes are meaningful or timely
>> enough to make a difference.
>>
>> Thanks for your reply.
>>
>> Fae
>>
>> On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 19:27, Lucy Crompton-Reid <
>> lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Fae
>>>
>>> Thanks for your email. I think you are almost certainly right, and that
>>> this is the first time that the Chair has been recruited externally -
>>> although it's quite common practice in the voluntary sector more generally.
>>> It is very possible that one of the existing trustees may become the Chair.
>>> However we are casting the net wide in order to reach the biggest pool of
>>> potential candidates with the skills and experience outlined in the person
>>> specification, and bearing in mind advice regarding best practice in
>>> trustee recruitment to ensure a diverse board.
>>>
>>> The charity's Articles allow for seven elected directors and three who
>>> are co-opted (with the provision to co-opt a fourth trustee if it is deemed
>>> necessary to get the right balance of skills and experience on the board).
>>> We currently have seven elected trustees and two co-opted trustees (the
>>> latter two being our Treasurer and the Chair of the Audit and Risk
>>> Committee).
>>>
>>> Although I have been working broadly on the basis that the board would
>>> co-opt the person recommended by the recruitment panel, this doesn't
>>> necessarily have to be the case. The timing of the recruitment process,
>>> with interviews scheduled for mid-June, means that if necessary the
>>> preferred candidate could stand for the trustee elections at this year's
>>> AGM. To clarify (for others reading this email, as I'm sure you're aware),
>>> the appointment of trustee roles such as the Chair, Treasurer etc is for
>>> the board to decide, rather than the full membership.
>>>
>>> Your email implie

[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Joseph Seddon]

I'm a member and if the board feels that currently they lack either someone
with either the capacity, desire or expertise to become chair they it is
ethically right they try to find someone interested and qualified.

Co-opted directors are not lesser, inferior, or less capable than elected
board members or hold any less of a mandate, nor should they be perceived
to be.

There are plenty of formal mechanisms through which the membership can
express its opinion if it so desires and it would be foolish to make
assumptions about the member body's perceptions.

On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 7:47 PM Fæ  wrote:

> It is legally correct, whether anyone on the board is elected is not
> mandated by the Charity Commission's guidelines, that's why it would be
> foolish for anyone to make such a claim.
>
> It is astonishing the types of charity recently approved in the UK, such
> as a very notably transphobic lobbying group, which may indicate that the
> theoretical bar of the CC guidelines is not a high one.
>
> Anyway, whether the Wikimedia UK board thinks it's more or less ethical to
> have an unelected Chair for the first time in the charity's history, is
> their call. Whether the members are allowed to have a voice in this
> decision, is also the call of the board of trustees. One might be concerned
> about how this would be perceived by the members, which only matters if
> members are important stakeholders or their votes are meaningful or timely
> enough to make a difference.
>
> Thanks for your reply.
>
> Fae
>
> On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 19:27, Lucy Crompton-Reid <
> lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk> wrote:
>
>> Hi Fae
>>
>> Thanks for your email. I think you are almost certainly right, and that
>> this is the first time that the Chair has been recruited externally -
>> although it's quite common practice in the voluntary sector more generally.
>> It is very possible that one of the existing trustees may become the Chair.
>> However we are casting the net wide in order to reach the biggest pool of
>> potential candidates with the skills and experience outlined in the person
>> specification, and bearing in mind advice regarding best practice in
>> trustee recruitment to ensure a diverse board.
>>
>> The charity's Articles allow for seven elected directors and three who
>> are co-opted (with the provision to co-opt a fourth trustee if it is deemed
>> necessary to get the right balance of skills and experience on the board).
>> We currently have seven elected trustees and two co-opted trustees (the
>> latter two being our Treasurer and the Chair of the Audit and Risk
>> Committee).
>>
>> Although I have been working broadly on the basis that the board would
>> co-opt the person recommended by the recruitment panel, this doesn't
>> necessarily have to be the case. The timing of the recruitment process,
>> with interviews scheduled for mid-June, means that if necessary the
>> preferred candidate could stand for the trustee elections at this year's
>> AGM. To clarify (for others reading this email, as I'm sure you're aware),
>> the appointment of trustee roles such as the Chair, Treasurer etc is for
>> the board to decide, rather than the full membership.
>>
>> Your email implies that the charity's constitution specifies that officer
>> roles on the board have to be elected trustees. I can't find anything to
>> that effect although it's entirely possible that I've missed it! In which
>> case, we will need to revise our process/plans accordingly.
>>
>> As I said in my email, I would encourage all members and volunteers to
>> think about applying, if you meet the criteria. Please don't be put off by
>> the open recruitment process as I know that the panel, and other members of
>> the board, highly value community experience.
>>
>> Best wishes
>> Lucy
>>
>>
>> On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 18:14, Fæ  wrote:
>>
>>> Could you confirm this is the first time that the Chair of Wikimedia UK
>>> has been externally recruited rather than the role filled after being
>>> elected by the charity members as a trustee?
>>>
>>> Has the process for searching for "role" trustees and electing them
>>> changed, and the charity's articles been amended and published accordingly?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Fae
>>>
>>> On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 16:52, Lucy Crompton-Reid <
>>> lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk> wrote:
>>>
 Dear all

 Our excellent Chair of Trustees, Nick Poole, will be stepping down at
 the AGM in July after six years as a trustee (which is the maximum term)
 and just over a year as Chair. We are therefore recruiting for a new Chair,
 and are advertising the role externally as well as promoting the
 opportunity amongst our existing trustees, committee members, volunteers
 and wider networks.

 *Please do consider whether this might be the right opportunity for you*.
 If so, do feel free to contact our Communications and Governance
 Co-ordinator Katie on katie.cramp...@wikimedia.org.uk to arrange an

[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Fæ]

It is legally correct, whether anyone on the board is elected is not
mandated by the Charity Commission's guidelines, that's why it would be
foolish for anyone to make such a claim.

It is astonishing the types of charity recently approved in the UK, such as
a very notably transphobic lobbying group, which may indicate that the
theoretical bar of the CC guidelines is not a high one.

Anyway, whether the Wikimedia UK board thinks it's more or less ethical to
have an unelected Chair for the first time in the charity's history, is
their call. Whether the members are allowed to have a voice in this
decision, is also the call of the board of trustees. One might be concerned
about how this would be perceived by the members, which only matters if
members are important stakeholders or their votes are meaningful or timely
enough to make a difference.

Thanks for your reply.

Fae

On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 19:27, Lucy Crompton-Reid <
lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk> wrote:

> Hi Fae
>
> Thanks for your email. I think you are almost certainly right, and that
> this is the first time that the Chair has been recruited externally -
> although it's quite common practice in the voluntary sector more generally.
> It is very possible that one of the existing trustees may become the Chair.
> However we are casting the net wide in order to reach the biggest pool of
> potential candidates with the skills and experience outlined in the person
> specification, and bearing in mind advice regarding best practice in
> trustee recruitment to ensure a diverse board.
>
> The charity's Articles allow for seven elected directors and three who are
> co-opted (with the provision to co-opt a fourth trustee if it is deemed
> necessary to get the right balance of skills and experience on the board).
> We currently have seven elected trustees and two co-opted trustees (the
> latter two being our Treasurer and the Chair of the Audit and Risk
> Committee).
>
> Although I have been working broadly on the basis that the board would
> co-opt the person recommended by the recruitment panel, this doesn't
> necessarily have to be the case. The timing of the recruitment process,
> with interviews scheduled for mid-June, means that if necessary the
> preferred candidate could stand for the trustee elections at this year's
> AGM. To clarify (for others reading this email, as I'm sure you're aware),
> the appointment of trustee roles such as the Chair, Treasurer etc is for
> the board to decide, rather than the full membership.
>
> Your email implies that the charity's constitution specifies that officer
> roles on the board have to be elected trustees. I can't find anything to
> that effect although it's entirely possible that I've missed it! In which
> case, we will need to revise our process/plans accordingly.
>
> As I said in my email, I would encourage all members and volunteers to
> think about applying, if you meet the criteria. Please don't be put off by
> the open recruitment process as I know that the panel, and other members of
> the board, highly value community experience.
>
> Best wishes
> Lucy
>
>
> On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 18:14, Fæ  wrote:
>
>> Could you confirm this is the first time that the Chair of Wikimedia UK
>> has been externally recruited rather than the role filled after being
>> elected by the charity members as a trustee?
>>
>> Has the process for searching for "role" trustees and electing them
>> changed, and the charity's articles been amended and published accordingly?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Fae
>>
>> On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 16:52, Lucy Crompton-Reid <
>> lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk> wrote:
>>
>>> Dear all
>>>
>>> Our excellent Chair of Trustees, Nick Poole, will be stepping down at
>>> the AGM in July after six years as a trustee (which is the maximum term)
>>> and just over a year as Chair. We are therefore recruiting for a new Chair,
>>> and are advertising the role externally as well as promoting the
>>> opportunity amongst our existing trustees, committee members, volunteers
>>> and wider networks.
>>>
>>> *Please do consider whether this might be the right opportunity for you*.
>>> If so, do feel free to contact our Communications and Governance
>>> Co-ordinator Katie on katie.cramp...@wikimedia.org.uk to arrange an
>>> informal conversation about the role. If not, we would be very grateful if
>>> you could help us to promote the role by circulating it amongst your own
>>> networks. Katie will be promoting the opportunity on social media so if
>>> you follow us there, please do share/retweet etc.
>>>
>>> The ideal candidate might come from a wide range of professional
>>> backgrounds but will have a good understanding of charity governance, the
>>> skills and experience to run productive meetings, and a collegiate,
>>> collaborative approach in keeping with the ethos of the Wikimedia movement.
>>> They will also bring a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
>>> and understand how important this is to a

[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Stevie Benton]

Hi Lucy,

Thanks for sharing. I just wanted to take the time to thank Nick for his
many years of service. His commitment to open knowledge is especially clear
to anyone who follows him on Twitter, as I do. His passion and enthusiasm
are admirable, his knowledge fearsome. Thank you, Mr Poole. Good luck on
the next part of your journey.

Best wishes,

Stevie

On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 7:27 PM Lucy Crompton-Reid <
lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk> wrote:

> Hi Fae
>
> Thanks for your email. I think you are almost certainly right, and that
> this is the first time that the Chair has been recruited externally -
> although it's quite common practice in the voluntary sector more generally.
> It is very possible that one of the existing trustees may become the Chair.
> However we are casting the net wide in order to reach the biggest pool of
> potential candidates with the skills and experience outlined in the person
> specification, and bearing in mind advice regarding best practice in
> trustee recruitment to ensure a diverse board.
>
> The charity's Articles allow for seven elected directors and three who are
> co-opted (with the provision to co-opt a fourth trustee if it is deemed
> necessary to get the right balance of skills and experience on the board).
> We currently have seven elected trustees and two co-opted trustees (the
> latter two being our Treasurer and the Chair of the Audit and Risk
> Committee).
>
> Although I have been working broadly on the basis that the board would
> co-opt the person recommended by the recruitment panel, this doesn't
> necessarily have to be the case. The timing of the recruitment process,
> with interviews scheduled for mid-June, means that if necessary the
> preferred candidate could stand for the trustee elections at this year's
> AGM. To clarify (for others reading this email, as I'm sure you're aware),
> the appointment of trustee roles such as the Chair, Treasurer etc is for
> the board to decide, rather than the full membership.
>
> Your email implies that the charity's constitution specifies that officer
> roles on the board have to be elected trustees. I can't find anything to
> that effect although it's entirely possible that I've missed it! In which
> case, we will need to revise our process/plans accordingly.
>
> As I said in my email, I would encourage all members and volunteers to
> think about applying, if you meet the criteria. Please don't be put off by
> the open recruitment process as I know that the panel, and other members of
> the board, highly value community experience.
>
> Best wishes
> Lucy
>
>
> On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 18:14, Fæ  wrote:
>
>> Could you confirm this is the first time that the Chair of Wikimedia UK
>> has been externally recruited rather than the role filled after being
>> elected by the charity members as a trustee?
>>
>> Has the process for searching for "role" trustees and electing them
>> changed, and the charity's articles been amended and published accordingly?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Fae
>>
>> On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 16:52, Lucy Crompton-Reid <
>> lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk> wrote:
>>
>>> Dear all
>>>
>>> Our excellent Chair of Trustees, Nick Poole, will be stepping down at
>>> the AGM in July after six years as a trustee (which is the maximum term)
>>> and just over a year as Chair. We are therefore recruiting for a new Chair,
>>> and are advertising the role externally as well as promoting the
>>> opportunity amongst our existing trustees, committee members, volunteers
>>> and wider networks.
>>>
>>> *Please do consider whether this might be the right opportunity for you*.
>>> If so, do feel free to contact our Communications and Governance
>>> Co-ordinator Katie on katie.cramp...@wikimedia.org.uk to arrange an
>>> informal conversation about the role. If not, we would be very grateful if
>>> you could help us to promote the role by circulating it amongst your own
>>> networks. Katie will be promoting the opportunity on social media so if
>>> you follow us there, please do share/retweet etc.
>>>
>>> The ideal candidate might come from a wide range of professional
>>> backgrounds but will have a good understanding of charity governance, the
>>> skills and experience to run productive meetings, and a collegiate,
>>> collaborative approach in keeping with the ethos of the Wikimedia movement.
>>> They will also bring a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
>>> and understand how important this is to an organisation like Wikimedia UK.
>>> It goes without saying that they will need to be passionate about open
>>> knowledge and understand the importance and value of Wikipedia and the
>>> other Wikimedia projects.
>>> To see the role description and/or download the recruitment pack, please
>>> go here:
>>>
>>> https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Chair_of_the_Board_of_Trustees
>>>
>>> The deadline is Sunday 6th June and interviews are likely to be on 14th
>>> June.
>>>
>>> Thanks and best wishes
>>> Lucy
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> 

[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Lucy Crompton-Reid]

Hi Fae

Thanks for your email. I think you are almost certainly right, and that
this is the first time that the Chair has been recruited externally -
although it's quite common practice in the voluntary sector more generally.
It is very possible that one of the existing trustees may become the Chair.
However we are casting the net wide in order to reach the biggest pool of
potential candidates with the skills and experience outlined in the person
specification, and bearing in mind advice regarding best practice in
trustee recruitment to ensure a diverse board.

The charity's Articles allow for seven elected directors and three who are
co-opted (with the provision to co-opt a fourth trustee if it is deemed
necessary to get the right balance of skills and experience on the board).
We currently have seven elected trustees and two co-opted trustees (the
latter two being our Treasurer and the Chair of the Audit and Risk
Committee).

Although I have been working broadly on the basis that the board would
co-opt the person recommended by the recruitment panel, this doesn't
necessarily have to be the case. The timing of the recruitment process,
with interviews scheduled for mid-June, means that if necessary the
preferred candidate could stand for the trustee elections at this year's
AGM. To clarify (for others reading this email, as I'm sure you're aware),
the appointment of trustee roles such as the Chair, Treasurer etc is for
the board to decide, rather than the full membership.

Your email implies that the charity's constitution specifies that officer
roles on the board have to be elected trustees. I can't find anything to
that effect although it's entirely possible that I've missed it! In which
case, we will need to revise our process/plans accordingly.

As I said in my email, I would encourage all members and volunteers to
think about applying, if you meet the criteria. Please don't be put off by
the open recruitment process as I know that the panel, and other members of
the board, highly value community experience.

Best wishes
Lucy


On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 18:14, Fæ  wrote:

> Could you confirm this is the first time that the Chair of Wikimedia UK
> has been externally recruited rather than the role filled after being
> elected by the charity members as a trustee?
>
> Has the process for searching for "role" trustees and electing them
> changed, and the charity's articles been amended and published accordingly?
>
> Thanks,
> Fae
>
> On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 16:52, Lucy Crompton-Reid <
> lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk> wrote:
>
>> Dear all
>>
>> Our excellent Chair of Trustees, Nick Poole, will be stepping down at the
>> AGM in July after six years as a trustee (which is the maximum term) and
>> just over a year as Chair. We are therefore recruiting for a new Chair, and
>> are advertising the role externally as well as promoting the opportunity
>> amongst our existing trustees, committee members, volunteers and wider
>> networks.
>>
>> *Please do consider whether this might be the right opportunity for you*.
>> If so, do feel free to contact our Communications and Governance
>> Co-ordinator Katie on katie.cramp...@wikimedia.org.uk to arrange an
>> informal conversation about the role. If not, we would be very grateful if
>> you could help us to promote the role by circulating it amongst your own
>> networks. Katie will be promoting the opportunity on social media so if
>> you follow us there, please do share/retweet etc.
>>
>> The ideal candidate might come from a wide range of professional
>> backgrounds but will have a good understanding of charity governance, the
>> skills and experience to run productive meetings, and a collegiate,
>> collaborative approach in keeping with the ethos of the Wikimedia movement.
>> They will also bring a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
>> and understand how important this is to an organisation like Wikimedia UK.
>> It goes without saying that they will need to be passionate about open
>> knowledge and understand the importance and value of Wikipedia and the
>> other Wikimedia projects.
>> To see the role description and/or download the recruitment pack, please
>> go here:
>>
>> https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Chair_of_the_Board_of_Trustees
>>
>> The deadline is Sunday 6th June and interviews are likely to be on 14th
>> June.
>>
>> Thanks and best wishes
>> Lucy
>>
>> --
>>
>> Lucy Crompton-Reid
>>
>> Chief Executive
>>
>>
>>
>> 
>>
>> Wikimedia UK  is the national chapter
>> for the global Wikimedia open knowledge movement.
>>
>> Wikimedia UK is a Registered Charity No.1144513.Company Limited by
>> Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827.
>>
>> Registered Office Ground Floor, Europoint, 5 - 11 Lavington Street,
>> London SE1 0NZ
>> 
>> .
>>
>>
>>
>> __

[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Fæ]

Happy to accept your reading of the Articles*, which would mean that the
Chair of the Charity would be a "co-opted trustee" under the current
Article definitions.

Having an unelected Chair for the first time in the history of the charity
does not seem likely to be perceived by the majority of members as the best
way of giving members a meaningful vote on who represents them in their
charity.

* https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Articles_of_Association

Fae


On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 18:38, Joseph Seddon  wrote:

> This does not require any amendment.
>
> Thanks,
> Seddon
>
> On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 6:14 PM Fæ  wrote:
>
>> Could you confirm this is the first time that the Chair of Wikimedia UK
>> has been externally recruited rather than the role filled after being
>> elected by the charity members as a trustee?
>>
>> Has the process for searching for "role" trustees and electing them
>> changed, and the charity's articles been amended and published accordingly?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Fae
>>
>> On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 16:52, Lucy Crompton-Reid <
>> lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk> wrote:
>>
>>> Dear all
>>>
>>> Our excellent Chair of Trustees, Nick Poole, will be stepping down at
>>> the AGM in July after six years as a trustee (which is the maximum term)
>>> and just over a year as Chair. We are therefore recruiting for a new Chair,
>>> and are advertising the role externally as well as promoting the
>>> opportunity amongst our existing trustees, committee members, volunteers
>>> and wider networks.
>>>
>>> *Please do consider whether this might be the right opportunity for you*.
>>> If so, do feel free to contact our Communications and Governance
>>> Co-ordinator Katie on katie.cramp...@wikimedia.org.uk to arrange an
>>> informal conversation about the role. If not, we would be very grateful if
>>> you could help us to promote the role by circulating it amongst your own
>>> networks. Katie will be promoting the opportunity on social media so if
>>> you follow us there, please do share/retweet etc.
>>>
>>> The ideal candidate might come from a wide range of professional
>>> backgrounds but will have a good understanding of charity governance, the
>>> skills and experience to run productive meetings, and a collegiate,
>>> collaborative approach in keeping with the ethos of the Wikimedia movement.
>>> They will also bring a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
>>> and understand how important this is to an organisation like Wikimedia UK.
>>> It goes without saying that they will need to be passionate about open
>>> knowledge and understand the importance and value of Wikipedia and the
>>> other Wikimedia projects.
>>> To see the role description and/or download the recruitment pack, please
>>> go here:
>>>
>>> https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Chair_of_the_Board_of_Trustees
>>>
>>> The deadline is Sunday 6th June and interviews are likely to be on 14th
>>> June.
>>>
>>> Thanks and best wishes
>>> Lucy
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> Lucy Crompton-Reid
>>>
>>> Chief Executive
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> 
>>>
>>> Wikimedia UK  is the national chapter
>>> for the global Wikimedia open knowledge movement.
>>>
>>> Wikimedia UK is a Registered Charity No.1144513.Company Limited by
>>> Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827.
>>>
>>> Registered Office Ground Floor, Europoint, 5 - 11 Lavington Street,
>>> London SE1 0NZ
>>> 
>>> .
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ___
>>> Wikimedia UK mailing list
>>> wikimediau...@wikimedia.org
>>> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
>>> WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> fae...@gmail.com https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Fae
>> ___
>> Wikimedia UK mailing list
>> wikimediau...@wikimedia.org
>> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
>> WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
>
> ___
> Wikimedia UK mailing list
> wikimediau...@wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
> WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
___
Wikimedia UK mailing list
wikimediau...@wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk

[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Joseph Seddon]

This does not require any amendment.

Thanks,
Seddon

On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 6:14 PM Fæ  wrote:

> Could you confirm this is the first time that the Chair of Wikimedia UK
> has been externally recruited rather than the role filled after being
> elected by the charity members as a trustee?
>
> Has the process for searching for "role" trustees and electing them
> changed, and the charity's articles been amended and published accordingly?
>
> Thanks,
> Fae
>
> On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 16:52, Lucy Crompton-Reid <
> lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk> wrote:
>
>> Dear all
>>
>> Our excellent Chair of Trustees, Nick Poole, will be stepping down at the
>> AGM in July after six years as a trustee (which is the maximum term) and
>> just over a year as Chair. We are therefore recruiting for a new Chair, and
>> are advertising the role externally as well as promoting the opportunity
>> amongst our existing trustees, committee members, volunteers and wider
>> networks.
>>
>> *Please do consider whether this might be the right opportunity for you*.
>> If so, do feel free to contact our Communications and Governance
>> Co-ordinator Katie on katie.cramp...@wikimedia.org.uk to arrange an
>> informal conversation about the role. If not, we would be very grateful if
>> you could help us to promote the role by circulating it amongst your own
>> networks. Katie will be promoting the opportunity on social media so if
>> you follow us there, please do share/retweet etc.
>>
>> The ideal candidate might come from a wide range of professional
>> backgrounds but will have a good understanding of charity governance, the
>> skills and experience to run productive meetings, and a collegiate,
>> collaborative approach in keeping with the ethos of the Wikimedia movement.
>> They will also bring a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
>> and understand how important this is to an organisation like Wikimedia UK.
>> It goes without saying that they will need to be passionate about open
>> knowledge and understand the importance and value of Wikipedia and the
>> other Wikimedia projects.
>> To see the role description and/or download the recruitment pack, please
>> go here:
>>
>> https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Chair_of_the_Board_of_Trustees
>>
>> The deadline is Sunday 6th June and interviews are likely to be on 14th
>> June.
>>
>> Thanks and best wishes
>> Lucy
>>
>> --
>>
>> Lucy Crompton-Reid
>>
>> Chief Executive
>>
>>
>>
>> 
>>
>> Wikimedia UK  is the national chapter
>> for the global Wikimedia open knowledge movement.
>>
>> Wikimedia UK is a Registered Charity No.1144513.Company Limited by
>> Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827.
>>
>> Registered Office Ground Floor, Europoint, 5 - 11 Lavington Street,
>> London SE1 0NZ
>> 
>> .
>>
>>
>>
>> ___
>> Wikimedia UK mailing list
>> wikimediau...@wikimedia.org
>> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
>> WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
>
>
>
> --
> fae...@gmail.com https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Fae
> ___
> Wikimedia UK mailing list
> wikimediau...@wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
> WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
___
Wikimedia UK mailing list
wikimediau...@wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk

[Wikimediauk-l] Re: Wikimedia UK recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees

[Fæ]

Could you confirm this is the first time that the Chair of Wikimedia UK has
been externally recruited rather than the role filled after being elected
by the charity members as a trustee?

Has the process for searching for "role" trustees and electing them
changed, and the charity's articles been amended and published accordingly?

Thanks,
Fae

On Tue, 25 May 2021 at 16:52, Lucy Crompton-Reid <
lucy.crompton-r...@wikimedia.org.uk> wrote:

> Dear all
>
> Our excellent Chair of Trustees, Nick Poole, will be stepping down at the
> AGM in July after six years as a trustee (which is the maximum term) and
> just over a year as Chair. We are therefore recruiting for a new Chair, and
> are advertising the role externally as well as promoting the opportunity
> amongst our existing trustees, committee members, volunteers and wider
> networks.
>
> *Please do consider whether this might be the right opportunity for you*.
> If so, do feel free to contact our Communications and Governance
> Co-ordinator Katie on katie.cramp...@wikimedia.org.uk to arrange an
> informal conversation about the role. If not, we would be very grateful if
> you could help us to promote the role by circulating it amongst your own
> networks. Katie will be promoting the opportunity on social media so if
> you follow us there, please do share/retweet etc.
>
> The ideal candidate might come from a wide range of professional
> backgrounds but will have a good understanding of charity governance, the
> skills and experience to run productive meetings, and a collegiate,
> collaborative approach in keeping with the ethos of the Wikimedia movement.
> They will also bring a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
> and understand how important this is to an organisation like Wikimedia UK.
> It goes without saying that they will need to be passionate about open
> knowledge and understand the importance and value of Wikipedia and the
> other Wikimedia projects.
> To see the role description and/or download the recruitment pack, please
> go here:
>
> https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Chair_of_the_Board_of_Trustees
>
> The deadline is Sunday 6th June and interviews are likely to be on 14th
> June.
>
> Thanks and best wishes
> Lucy
>
> --
>
> Lucy Crompton-Reid
>
> Chief Executive
>
>
>
> 
>
> Wikimedia UK  is the national chapter for
> the global Wikimedia open knowledge movement.
>
> Wikimedia UK is a Registered Charity No.1144513.Company Limited by
> Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827.
>
> Registered Office Ground Floor, Europoint, 5 - 11 Lavington Street,
> London SE1 0NZ
> 
> .
>
>
>
> ___
> Wikimedia UK mailing list
> wikimediau...@wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
> WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk



-- 
fae...@gmail.com https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Fae
___
Wikimedia UK mailing list
wikimediau...@wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk