Hello. East Medway u3a committee members are very approachable. We wish you to feel that you can easily talk to us or use our contact form which is available by clicking on the relevant member’s highlighted link. We want you to feel at home in East Medway u3a, and value all of our members as part of our community.
How we work
The committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). We are part of the Third Age Trust (TAT) charity, so we are bound by the Charities Commission rules for Trustees. The Chair, Business Secretary, Membership Secretary, and Treasurer are mandated roles for a charity. East Medway u3a’s constitution also requires a Vice Chair, Group Secretary and Speaker Secretary. All roles are trustees.
The committee operates on a majority voting system. Any changes to the constitution must to be taken to the AGM for a members’ vote.
Committee members have a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and governance of the organisation.
The documentation necessary to keep our u3a running effectively is available in the admin pages of this website. A membership application form is available via the membership page.
You can make a difference
Your feedback is very important to how our u3a runs. All members are welcome to raise more formal issues at the AGM, especially if a change requires a members' vote, i.e. if it impacts lots of members. The committee actively encourages members to attend the AGM held in June of each year.
In the spirit of the u3a’s self-help principles we welcome new committee members. Any member may come along to a committee meeting, as an observer, to find out what we do. The committee is also able to co-opt two members. Just contact a committee member for more details of meetings.
Committee members' duties
Charitable Objectives: Ensuring that all activities align with the u3a’s charitable purposes and benefit the public.
Governance, Accountability & Compliance: Overseeing the overall management and strategic direction of the u3a. Being accountable for the u3a’s actions, managing resources responsibly, and acting with care and skill. Adhering to the u3a’s governing documents and relevant laws, acting in the charity’s best interests.
Financial Management: Safeguarding the organisation’s finances, ensuring funds are used appropriately and effectively.
Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks to protect the charity’s assets, prevent loss or fraud, and protect our members from harm – health & safety and safeguarding.
Committee members' roles
| Chair | General enquiries, constitutional matters |
| Business Secretary | Copies of minutes or to offer ideas or feedback, governance matters |
| Membership Secretary | Joining East Medway u3a, renewal queries and issues relating to receipt of magazine or newsletter |
| Treasurer Assistant Treasurer | Enquiries relating to u3a operating expenses |
| Speaker Secretary Assistant Speaker Secretary | Booking in speakers and researching topics |
| Group Secretary Assistant Group Secretary | Enquiries relating to Interest Groups, starting a new group, or suggestions for new Groups |