Trust, Risk and Liability Group
Background
At the February 2008 meeting of the Transition Town Forum, the meeting of all the groups, the issue of incorporation was raised, with a proposal for pursuing charitable status. It was agreed that a small group would be formed to review the options and come back to the main group.
A small group met in early February to discuss the options, the minutes of this meeting are attached.
After some research and discussion the group felt that incorporation was not neccessary at this early stage in TTL's development. The need to incorporate only arises if the risks of acting as an unincorporated body (as we are currently constituted) outweigh the benefits and if there was energy and enthusiasm for incorporation. The group felt that incorporation at this stage did not offer significant benefits and that risks could be mitigated through employers liability insurance and public indemnity insurance.
The issue over charitable status was also discussed and the benefits were not considered significant at this stage.
As an unincorporated body TTL can enter into contracts, such as employment, funding contracts etc, but the risk has to be borne by the person/s acting on behalf of TTL. We felt with the right level of protection i.e employers insurance, then the risks were miminal. In line with TTL principles we take responsbility for our actions, we felt that a small group of people who were willing to take this responsbility should be formed.
Group Purpose
The group agreed that a new group should form, called the Trust, Risk and Liability Group. This group's sole purpose is to act as a resource to the rest of TTL to offer support and advice on matters of risk, laibility and trust arising from the work of TTL. It will also sign contracts and act as "trustees" as the need arises. To this end the membership of this group may vary from time to time, with people offering to take responsbility for their own groups project as required. This is important in order to mimimise risk to all in TTL.
The groups first tasks are: To communicate its role and function to the rest of TTL. Bring back these proposals to the TTL Forum in March To redraft the unincorporated constitution to ensure consistency with TTL aims and principles. To draft some guidance notes of things to think about on risk, trust and laibility for TTL Groups.
The group currently consists of Zoe Nicholson, Abi Petit, Johnny Denis, Julia Waterlow. If you have expertise in this area and would like to join you are very welcome. It will meet as the need arises.
If as a group you have any issues regarding liability or risks of any of your group's plans or actions then please contact Zoe Nicholson.
Get involved: contact one of the Group contacts on the Groups page
