Constitution and Membership Form

Article 1: Name

The official name of the group shall be "Cross Party Group Showcasing in Westminster the Impact of Treating Care Experience as if it were a ‘Protected Characteristic’" (hereafter referred to as "the Group").

Article 2: Purpose

The Group’s primary purpose is to:

1. Advocate for the recognition of Care Experience as a ‘Protected Characteristic.’
2. Showcase the positive impact of treating Care Experience as if it were a Protected Characteristic.
3. Provide a platform for Care Experienced individuals to participate in shaping policy and driving legislative change.
4. Facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, including local authorities, corporate parents, and advocacy organisations.

Article 3: Membership

3.1 Membership Eligibility

• Full Members: Any individual who identifies as Care Experienced, as defined by the following:
  • Someone who was placed into local authority or state care for at least 13 weeks, or
  • Someone who was subject to a Care Order or in Care immediately prior to an Adoption Order or Special Guardianship Order.
  • Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords (MP’s and Peers)
• Associate Members: Individuals working for or representing organisations that:
  • Have a corporate parenting responsibility,
  • Are likely to adopt or are voluntarily adopting Protected Characteristics or Corporate Parenting for Care Experienced individuals.

3.2 Application Process

• Membership applications must be submitted using the official membership form (This form).
• Applications shall be reviewed and approved by the Group Secretariat.

3.3 Membership Rights

• Full Members shall:
  • Participate fully in meetings, discussions, and agenda-setting.
  • Vote on issues brought before the Group.
  • Receive a membership card enabling full participation.
• Associate Members shall:
  • Attend meetings and participate in discussions but shall not have voting rights.

3.4 Membership Fees

• No membership fees shall be required.

Article 4: Governance

4.1 Leadership Structure

• The Group shall elect the following officers:
  • Chairperson: Oversees meetings and represents the Group.
  • Vice Chairperson: Assists the Chair and steps in when required.
  • Treasurer (if funds are raised): Oversees financial matters.
  • Other Officers: MP's and Lords or others on specialist subjects.

4.2 Secretariat

• The Secretariat shall:
  • Administer the membership scheme and issue membership cards.
  • Coordinate communications and logistical arrangements.
  • Propose policy areas, draft reports and coordinate the agenda.
  • Invite Local Authorities and Organisations to showcase their work.
  • Record and distribute minutes of meetings.

Article 5: Meetings

5.1 Frequency

• The Group shall meet at least quarterly, with additional meetings called as necessary.

5.2 Participation

• All members are encouraged to attend and contribute to discussions.

5.3 Voting

• Decisions shall be made by a simple majority vote of Full Members present.

Article 6: Amendments

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of Full Members present at a meeting, provided that the proposed amendment was submitted in writing at least 14 days prior.

Article 7: Dissolution

The Group may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority vote of Full Members at a special meeting convened for this purpose.