The first questions everybody asks when discussing a possible merger between NfCG and Consumer Congress for the first time are - "What will it involve?" and "What will it change?"
It is quite clear that the first task in presenting the possibility of merger to the members of NfCG is to set the "Environment" and that means the constitution of the proposed body.
It so happens that the Working Party foresaw the likelihood of the new body being formed as a 'Company limited by guarantee'. This is a popular format these days, offering a certain perpetuity regardless of the actions of the leaders, protection from the effects of litigation, and the security of knowing that the organisation has to operate within a legal structure.
So the proposed constitution has been prepared in the format of the "Memorandum & Articles of Association" of such a company. Should NfCG and Congress members decide not to take that course, then the principles laid down in that format can easily be transposed into a Constitution document.
By now all Individual Members and Groups should have received the four page briefing document and the accompanying questionnaire
In fact 200 have been distributed to date and over 60 returned. If you have not received one and wish to participate, please telephone John Brown on 01322 280673 immediately and ensure that your form is returned before 23rd February. If you have simply forgotten - then please do fill in the questionnaire and send it back.
Many of the respondents added comments to their forms. Here is a selection:
It should be:
"The sentiments of the Objects are acceptable but they need rewriting. Too much is duplicated and muddled as set out here." "Object (ii) Suggest redraft: 'to identify, promote and defend."' "Object (i) : take out 'grassroots', Add reference to disadvantaged consumers in line with Congress."
"We should have to be careful that some single issue groups are really interested in consumer issues..."
"I feel that the organisation's membership should only include those with individuals as members, not just other organisations." "Articulate white middle class consumers need to protect those less articulate rather than just represent themselves. We end up being only interested in the FSA instead of the High Street,"
"Associates - add: 'and Government Agencies."'
Ref size of Exec.: "I feel that 18 is too many. 15 total (max) may be more appropriate."
"I think it is very unwise to make a willing worker stand down for two years."
"I think you should be very wary of going down the 'single transferable vote' route."
"If money persists I think a paid secretary is preferable - even if not full time."
"The choice between Hon. Sec and (paid) Exec Sec or Asst Sec would seem to depend on financial capacity."
(On a postcard) "I didn't go in for filling in the questionnaire .... I do however agree with amalgamation."
"This proposed Mem. & Arts is a very inadvisable idea for many reasons..."
"This merger can only strengthen the voice of the grassroots consumer and should go ahead as quickly as possible."
"Good luck - a tricky business merging, but with good will ....it should go well. It will still involve all the grassroots 'watchdog' elements." "The new organisation must be seen to be efficient, serious and worthy of inclusion as a major force in the 'consumer world'."
"In the modern world it seems to me that the only hope there is to retain the objects of NfCG is to merge and so enable the voice of the consumer to be heard." "Where does the Consumer Association stand in all this reorganisation? We cannot ignore it."
"These proposals represent a fundamental change away from the original purpose of NfCG. Government funding may be less easy to obtain in the new body and I hope that 'letters of comfort' can be obtained."
"These proposals give Government an opportunity to rethink." "It is essential that as many members as possible are able to attend the EGM ...."
In Consumer News there is a comprehensive table setting out the survey results which would be an act of love to recreate here. This (and time) are currently in short supply and the events consulted upon have now happened, so the table is omitted for now ( and maybe forever!) - Web Administrator
The process described here has been the consideration of the proposed Constitution/ Memorandum & Articles of Association for a possible new, merged organisation that would replace NfCG and Consumer Congress.
The results of the survey, so far, depict an overwhelming agreement with the wording of the document and the possibility of changing our name. Many members have made comments on some of the details, all of which will be carefully considered.
The next stage will be the Consideration of a merger. This will follow the final assessment of the following aspects:
Once the above has been collated, and should the Executive be in favour of progressing further, members will be circulated with the appropriate papers, including one expounding the case against from those not in favour.
An all-day EGM in London on a Saturday in late March or early April can then be called. Travel expenses for Group Chairmen and Secretaries, a number of IMs (probably 20) and NfCG Officers would be paid by NfCG.
Other Group and Individual Members may attend free of charge.
I am reminded by Richard Townshend, Chairman of Tyneside Consumers' Group, that I did not mention in my report of the AGM in the last issue of Consumer News that an amendment to the resolution which empowered the NfCG Executive Committee to continue discussion about a merger with Consumer Congress was put to the meeting and passed. This required the Executive Committee to present to the NfCG membership a detailed assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of any such merger.
Since then we have seen (or if you have not seen; ask me for a copy) Chairman Roy Bisson's explanation of the possibilities with which we are confronted and a questionnaire seeking your opinion as to the next step. Now you can read on pages 8 & 9 a review of the replies to the questionnaire which seem to indicate that more people are in favour of exploring the possibilities of a merger than against the idea.
May I sound a word of caution. The National Federation of Consumer Groups exists to support Consumer Groups and to encourage the formation of new Groups, all in the interest of increasing the voice of grass roots consumers. The important words here are, I think, grass roots consumers. When one attends meetings with Government Ministers and their departmental officials, the Food Standards Agency or the Financial Services Authority, and other bodies, as NfCG representatives do from time to time, one realises that the invitation came because we represent the grass roots consumers, and nobody else does. It is made clear that our presence is very welcome.
We must not obscure this singular element. Chairman Roy asks the question "can we become THE major force in grass roots consumer consultation and representation?" We already are the major force! " The trouble is that we are not very big. Despite strenuous efforts by Margaret Williams when Development Officer, there have been no new federated Consumer Groups for several years and existing Groups are less well supported than they used to be.
I understand the need to increase our credibility in the eyes of the parties mentioned in the third paragraph above, and also the media, in order to give us the clout to fight the consumers' corner. Members of Consumer Congress are a diverse group which includes NfCG. Many of them come naturally within our scope but some are single interest groups which do not fit so naturally. Yes, we must increase our presence to reinforce our position as the major force in grass roots consumer consultation and representation. Yes, we need reinforcements to do so. But we must not allow our primary purpose to be obscured. Perhaps the right approach is to invite those members of Consumer Congress who fulfil either the current or perhaps some widened criteria, to become Associates, or even fully federated members of NfCG, where appropriate, rather than a wholesale merger. Such a merger may cause others to cease to think of us as representative of grass roots consumer interest and opinion. And we must redouble our efforts to encourage the formation of new, grass roots, Consumer Groups.
These are just my views, what are yours?
John Brown
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