Review of our constitution

Our Governance Task Force is currently reviewing key governing documents and related policies that will have an impact on how our members engage in decision-making within the organisation. As part of this process we will review and update our consitution.

As part of this process, we have commissioned the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) to undertake an independent review, which includes:

• providing a set of recommendations that are designed to ensure that our constitution and standing orders are at the forefront of best practice standards and
• an understanding of our members and other key stakeholders' views on this issue. 

The survey is now closed

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Joni Browne on Joni.Browne@ncvo.org.uk

Background on our governance

The Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Amnesty International UK consists of up to 15 people: 12 elected directors and up to 3 co-opted directors. The elected directors are elected for three-year terms by a postal ballot of the entire Amnesty International UK membership (of approximately 123,000). The elected members always include two people nominated by Local Groups, two nominated by Networks and one Country Coordinator.

Co-opted members

The co-opted members are appointed by the elected Board members, to bring in specific skills (e.g. in finance, marketing, and human resources) that the elected directors believe will assist them in their role. Co-opted members are also appointed for three-year terms. They do not have to be members of Amnesty International UK at the time they are co-opted, but they need to become members within a month.

Office holders

The chair and vice-chair of the board are chosen by the other elected board members each year. The treasurer (who may be an elected or co-opted member) is appointed by the other elected board members for a three-year term.

Elections

The postal ballot of national members is timed to close shortly before the AGM so that the results can be announced at the AGM and new members of the board of directors can meet those attending the AGM. The AGM is typically attended by around 500 people, or 0.4% of AIUK’s membership.

Term limits

No one can serve on the Amnesty International UK board for more than six consecutive years at a time. However, a member who has served for six consecutive years can stand for re-election or make themselves available to be co-opted again after a nine-month gap.

Minimum ages

People can join Amnesty International UK as individual members at the age of 14, but cannot become members of the board of directors until they are at least 18 years old.

AGMs

All members of Amnesty International UK can attend, participate in and vote at the AGM, including those who have joined just before the AGM starts.

Please note that this survey is concerned with the governance of Amnesty International UK and not the governance of the wider international movement.