A PUBLIC consultation on proposals to bring the Malvern Hills Trust ‘into the 21st century’ through new legislation is now open.
The Trust is planning to update its governing Acts to ‘make the charity fit for the future’. It is the first time in 30 years new legislation is proposed for the 140-year-old organisation.
Full details of the Trust’s proposals are now available as well as access to an online questionnaire to gather responses.
The consultation will be supported by five drop-in sessions to provide the opportunity to meet staff and trustees and to discuss the proposals, ask questions and make comments.
The first session was held at Castlemorton Parish Hall on Wednesday, May 29. All are welcome and no appointment is necessary.
Further events will be held at Callow End Village Hall (1.30pm to 5.30pm on June 8), United Reformed Church, Malvern Link (3pm to 8pm on June 12), Colwall Village Hall (3pm to 8pm on July 5), and Malvern Theatres (Circle Bar from 1.30pm to 5.30pm on July 7).
Over the next few months the Trust will be discussing these proposals with stakeholders and Government Departments.
The Trust is also keen to speak with local organisations, who may have concerns and encourage them to take part in the consultation.
A previous public consultation took place in 2019. There was an excellent response and the Trust has incorporated some of the suggestions received into its revised proposals.
The Trust will be making the changes by a Parliamentary Private Bill. The Charity Commission has given consent for the Trust to proceed with this course of action.
Main plans for the trust’s governing legislation includes protecting and preserving the Hills as a public open space, keeping all decision making meetings open to the public, and the right of those who pay the levy to elect trustees to the Board.
Extensive other means of reform are also proposed.
Visit https://www.malvernhills.org.uk/governance-changes/ for more information.
