Membership Consultation

At CommUNITY Barnet we are aware that we exist for our members whose needs we endeavour to meet. Therefore, to help us better represent the organisations and individuals we serve within Barnet we embarked on a review of our membership policy.

In consultation with staff and the Board of Trustees, CommUNITY Barnet undertook the following steps:

1. Researching the voluntary and community sector (Mapping the Sector) to establish a comprehensive database of organisations within Barnet
2. Surveying their involvement with CommUNITY Barnet
3. Setting up Focus Groups with Members and Non-members to understand what CommUNITY Barnet meant to them and what kind of membership model would provide value

What we found

The overriding consensus was that a simple membership structure giving members choice of service at their level of need would be most beneficial during these ever-changing and financially challenging times.

With these findings in mind, 4 membership types have been proposed for further consultation and future implementation.

1. Stay connected: This pack is designed for organisations that wish to be members of CommUNITY Barnet and benefit from the services available for a nominal membership fee.
2. Start up: This pack is designed for groups/individuals thinking of setting up as an organisation/charity or operating as such but do not have a constitution or governing documents.  Start up members will receive help developing a constitution and the relevant training and support required to operate as a Voluntary Community Organisation.
3. Empowerment: This pack is designed for organisations that are fully established and recognised as Voluntary Community Organisations (i.e. have a constitution or governing document) OR as charities registered with The Charities Commission. These organisations aim to work collaboratively across networks, with other organisations at a strategic level and maximise opportunities during challenging times.
4. Friend of community Barnet: This pack is designed for individuals and organisations that may not be directly involved in the third sector but are interested in, and support the work of voluntary community organisations and CommUNITY Barnet. They would like to be kept up-to-date with activities and information.

The penultimate part of the consultation was to seek member feedback on the suggested membership types. 

Through consultation, we have found that a simpler and more flexible membership would work better for our members. As a result, becoming a member of CommUNITY Barnet now costs nothing and it's for life.  Signing up is hassle free, once registered you do not need to renew annually. 

Vist our membership page and join today

For more information contact Lina Aliskeviciute, Membership Coordinator on 020 8364 8400 ext 225, email lina.aliskeviciute@communitybarnet.org.uk