1. Introduction

Welcome to Giving Back Generation (“GBG”, “we”, “our”, or “us”). This Members’ Handbook sets out the roles, responsibilities, and expectations for all GBG Members. As a Member, you share in the stewardship and direction of our charity—helping us deliver public benefit and comply with the highest standards of charity governance, as set by the Charity Commission.

2. Who Can Become a Member?

Membership is open to individuals who:

• Support GBG’s charitable purposes and values.
• Meet any eligibility criteria determined by the Trustees.
• Commit to acting in the best interests of the charity and those we serve.

The charity must maintain a minimum of three Members at all times, as required by law.

3. Members’ Legal Duties and Compliance

As a Member, you are expected to:

• Support GBG’s charitable objectives and public benefit duty: All your decisions must be aimed at furthering our mission for the public good, not private gain.
• Uphold the law and Charity Commission guidance: Members must be familiar with and comply with the charity’s governing document, UK charity law, and relevant guidance (including safeguarding, fundraising, financial prudence, and partnership working).
• Act with integrity, care, and diligence in every decision.

4. Responsibilities and Powers of Members

Your key responsibilities include:

• Governance oversight: Hold Trustees to account, ensuring the charity’s activities remain focused on GBG’s charitable purposes.
• Participatory engagement: Attend and vote at general meetings, including decisions on amending the Articles, appointing/removing Trustees, and major strategic changes.
• Approval of major undertakings: Review and approve amendments to the Articles, major contracts or transactions (e.g. financial undertakings over 10% of annual income), and the charity’s dissolution (if required).
• Resolving conflicts: Act as final arbiters in disputes among Trustees if day-to-day governance breaks down.
• Ethical conduct: Uphold GBG’s Code of Conduct and model inclusive, respectful behaviour.
• Safeguarding: Ensure the protection and welfare of all beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers, in accordance with Charity Commission safeguarding guidance.

5. Members’ Duties in Practice

As a Member you must:

• Attend general meetings and contribute to key decisions.
• Review and approve strategic documents (e.g. annual accounts, financial and impact reports, major policies).
• Participate in fundraising, partnership vetting, or programme oversight as appropriate.
• Help monitor the charity’s compliance with safeguarding, fundraising, financial, and risk management requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality about sensitive charity matters.
• Declare any conflicts of interest promptly, and withdraw from related decisions.
• Never use your position for personal benefit.

6. Fundraising, Financial Prudence, and Good Governance

• Fundraising: Support and approve fundraising strategies that comply with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice and Charity Commission CC20 guidance. Members must ensure all fundraising is ethical, transparent, and proportionate in cost versus benefit.
• Financial oversight: Members are jointly responsible for ensuring GBG’s funds are managed prudently and used exclusively for charitable purposes.
• Reserves: Support the charity’s approach to maintaining financial reserves in line with Charity Commission guidance.

7. Partnerships, Sponsorships, and Due Diligence

• Any significant partnership or sponsorship must be governed by a written agreement and approved by the Trustees and Members, with clear roles, safeguarding, and controls, as required by the Charity Commission Compliance Toolkit.
• Members must not enter into any external agreement on behalf of GBG without proper approval.

8. Beneficiary Selection and Public Benefit

• When GBG provides financial support, food, or other direct aid, Members must apply agreed criteria for assessing need—self-declaration alone is not sufficient.
• Records should be kept to evidence decisions, and Members should always act to maximise public benefit.

9. Code of Conduct

All Members are expected to:

• Treat everyone (staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and the public) with respect, fairness, and dignity.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and declare them when they arise.
• Act honestly, transparently, and in the best interests of GBG and its beneficiaries.
• Comply with all GBG policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, data protection, and fundraising.
• Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including possible termination of membership following a fair and transparent process.

10. Termination of Membership

A Member may cease to be a Member if they:

• Resign by giving written notice to the Trustees.
• No longer meet the eligibility criteria.
• Are removed by majority vote of the Members, after a fair process, for serious misconduct or breach of this Handbook or GBG’s values.

11. Founding Members

• Founding Members are responsible for establishing GBG’s initial membership and ensuring the charity’s foundational values are upheld.
• They may hold an honorary title for a period (e.g. first 3–5 years) but this does not confer extra voting or legal powers.

12. Getting Involved

• Members are encouraged to join working groups, attend events, contribute ideas, and help strengthen GBG’s work.
• Participation in programme delivery, fundraising, or partnerships is encouraged—subject to compliance with the relevant GBG policy.

13. Further Information and Contact

For questions, feedback, or concerns about your role as a Member or this Handbook, contact:

Giving Back Generation Limited
662 High Road, N12 0NL, London, United Kingdom
contact@givingbackgeneration.org.uk

‍