Ramblers Board of Trustees initiated a review of the organisation’s governance some time ago and a summary of the latest stage of this is shown below. This this has been discussed in a series of Zoom meetings with Area Chairs, Secretaries and General Council members but it has only been in the last week that Groups have been kept informed.
The Ramblers’ Governance Review proposes a new model to streamline structures, boost engagement, and modernise decision-making. Groups would become the primary organising units, with simplified constitutions, direct central funding, and core volunteer roles. Areas would evolve into flexible networks without formal governance, while Scotland and Wales retain national autonomy. The Board of Trustees would have up to 12 members through a mix of elections and skills-based appointments, with term limits. Annual regional/national gatherings would replace the motions process, fostering discussion and collaboration. All members of one year’s standing would gain voting rights, with trustee elections held online before a streamlined AGM.