What’s Changing in the Pinner Local History Society (PLHS) Constitution?
The Committee has completed a careful review of the Society’s Constitution to ensure it reflects how PLHS operates today and reflects current best practice across the charity sector. The proposed updates do not change the spirit or purpose of the Society — they simply bring our rules up to date.
The key change that is being made is to the Objects to the Society; all the other changes are minor.
Objects
Following discussions with the Charity Commission about changes to the Objects of the Society, the Charity Commission have approved changing the Objects of the Society:
“Based on the supporting information you have provided we can provide formal consent under s.280A of the Charities Act 2011 (as amended) to change the charity's objects clause to read:
The objects of the Society shall be to encourage the study of and interest in local history and archaeology in all its aspects with a special reference to the history of Pinner and its environs and to achieve these objects the Society shall have the following powers: -
- To promote public lectures, conferences, and visits concerned with history and related subjects.
- To publish as may be appropriate studies concerned with history and related subjects.
- To support as appropriate the publication by others of studies concerned with these subjects.
- To raise, invite, and receive contributions from any person or persons whatsoever by way of subscriptions, donations or otherwise provided that the Society shall not undertake any permanent trading activity.
- To set up and maintain research and archives to support activities of the Society.
- To receive whether by way of loan, gift, or bequest any books, manuscripts or other historical documents or articles which appear to the Committee to be relevant to the objects of the Society, and the Committee in their absolute discretion shall make such arrangements as seem appropriate for retention and/or display of such items“
The objects of the Society have been updated to include points 5 and 6 above.
We are also suggesting minor changes to the constitution that have been approved by the Committee Members. The changes are highlighted below for your information.
Changes at a Glance
- Membership is now open to anyone who subscribes — no election required.
- Membership categories updated; “Ordinary Members” renamed to Individual Members.
- Committee structure modernised: Membership Secretary and Editor added; fixed number of “Ordinary members” removed.
- Remote decision-making formally permitted.
- Research & Archives added as an explicit object.
- Gifts section incorporated into Objects.
- AGM reporting updated: Chairman’s Report replaces Secretary’s Report.
- Subscription concession period extended (January instead of February).
- “Auditor” replaced with Independent Accounts Examiner.
- Requirement added that funds must be held in the Society’s bank account.
- Annual General Meeting to be held by 30th of June each year.
We will need members to approve the changes at the May AGM.
Why These Changes?
These updates help ensure the Society remains well governed, transparent, and aligned with current best practice — while continuing to promote and preserve the history of Pinner. If members approve the revised Constitution at the AGM, it will replace the 1982 version currently in use.
PLHS Constitution Update – Q&A
Why is the Constitution being updated?
The current Constitution dates from 1982. The Committee reviewed it to ensure it reflects how the Society operates today, aligns with modern charity sector expectations, and provides clearer guidance for future committees. The Society’s aims and character remain unchanged.
What are the main changes?
The key updates include:
- Simplifying membership (no election required; clearer categories).
- Modernising Committee roles (adding Membership Secretary and Editor).
- Allowing urgent decisions to be made remotely.
- Adding an object relating to research and archives.
- Updating AGM reporting and terminology (e.g., Independent Accounts Examiner).
- Clarifying financial arrangements and notice procedures.
Does this change what the Society does?
No. The Society’s purpose — promoting and preserving the history of Pinner — remains exactly the same. The changes simply make the Constitution clearer and more practical.
Will my membership be affected?
No. All existing members remain members under the updated Constitution. The categories are unchanged except for renaming “Ordinary Members” as Individual Members.
Why remove the requirement for membership election by the Committee?
This requirement is no longer standard practice for small charities and community societies. Membership is now open to anyone who subscribes, which reflects how PLHS has operated in practice for many years.
Why add new Committee roles?
Two roles have been added:
- Membership Secretary – reflects the work already being carried out.
- Editor – formalises responsibility for the Newsletter.
These additions help distribute workload and reflect current practice.
Why allow remote decision‑making?
This provision ensures the Committee can act promptly in urgent situations when a physical meeting isn’t possible. Any remote decision still requires a quorum of three members.
What is the new “research and archives” object for?
It acknowledges the Society’s long‑standing commitment to maintaining research materials and archives, and gives a clear constitutional basis for this work.
Why has the “Gifts” section been moved?
The content is unchanged but has been integrated into the Objects section for clarity and consistency.
What’s changed about the AGM?
The AGM will now receive:
- The Chairman’s Report
- The Research Group Leader’s Report
- Independently examined accounts with the Treasurer’s Report
This reflects current practice and modern terminology.
Does this affect the Society’s charitable status?
No. The Constitution still complies with Charity Commission requirements. Any changes to the Objects, Dissolution clause, or the Constitution clause itself still require prior permission from the Commission.
Do members need to do anything?
Members will be asked to approve the updated Objects at the AGM, but do not require formal approval from the Charities Commission.
Where can I read the full updated Constitution?
