A review of the IOR's governing document ("the constitution") was carried out during the first half of 2025 to ensure it complies with current Charity Commission guidance and improve the clarity of wording.  It is recognised good practice to review a charity's constitution on a regular basis to ensure it remains fit for purpose and compliant with regulatory expectations.

Members who had commented on draft changes first circulated for comment in 2024 were invited to join a review panel or to provide further comments by email.  A group of members then met to review the current constitution against the latest Charity Commission guidance. This review took into account the changes put forward by the Board, as well as all feedback received from members.  The changes put forward by the Board in 2024 did not significantly alter charity’s objects or rights of members - these were intended primarily to clarify and strengthen processes for dealing with members who are subject to disciplinary procedures.  The 2025 review panel concluded that the original drafting of these proposals lacked sufficient clarity and therefore rewrote them in the draft now being circulated.

In addition, the review panel have proposed some further updates which are also shown in the draft update linked to below.  This version was shared with all members who had previously commented and their agreement to the content of this latest draft was confirmed.  The updated document was presented to the IOR Board who were broadly supportive of the changes proposed by the review group.

The Board is now circulating this update of the constitution to the full membership for further consultation and consideration, with proposed changes highlighted in yellow. Subject to feedback received now, it is intended that a third and final version will be proposed for adoption by members at the AGM later this year.  

Members may use the form below to submit their comments by 30th April 2026.