1.03. LEGAL DUTIES OF YOUNG MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

Incorporation

Since 1958 the Institute has been incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. 

As the Institute’s governing body, Council has the legal status of a board of directors and council members have the associated statutory responsibilities.  Also, since 1966 the Institute has been a registered charity, and in this regard, council members fall within the legal definition of charity trustees.

Company registration

As a limited company, the Institute is required to ensure that details of individuals who have served as directors in the past five years are filed with Companies House.  This information extends to:-

• Name and address
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Occupation

Additional and Young members of Council

Council has the power to appoint up to ten Additional Members two of which places on Council may be especially reserved for Young Members.

Thus, young members (under the age of 32) of the Institute have the opportunity of gaining experience by serving as a Young Member of Council for a three year term but, under normal circumstances, they would be required to carry the same legal duties as directors of ‘the company’ as their senior colleagues.

The Council considered this matter and came to the conclusion that, if a Young Member of Council does not feel comfortable accepting statutory responsibility, then he/she  should be provided with the option of participating in Council on a non-voting basis, ie. as an observer, rather than a full member of Council.