Hello folks
Thank you @Kmcalpin for starting off the discussion and drawing attention to the Society Consultation. Worth noting that voting will close at noon this Thursday. All Well Society members will receive a final reminder email tomorrow with a voting link. Whether you agree with the changes or not please do make the effort to vote. We are keen to ensure as many members as possible have their say.
All eight of the proposal have been developed in consultation with our members. This process commenced in January 2024 through a series of member workshops which were open to all. We worked through communications, governance and membership. Earlier this year we conducted a four week consultation covering the changes to the membership benefits, adult membership definition, change to the Rules of Association and supporting policies, the introduction of a new funding policy and the members' code of conduct. We then had a further two week consultation for the major votes policy change. We made changes as a result of the feedback received on a number of aspects and pulled together responses to frequently asked questions.
If I can pick up on @Brazilian's point on the proposed changes to adult membership definition specifically. Those who joined the Society before 21 May 2015 and as a result made a significant one-off contribution of £300 or more but are no longer contributing to the Society currently will retain membership at the 1886 tier as part of the proposal.
The new 1886 membership tier includes a community share in the Well Society, a vote on Well Society matters, discounted Well Society event entry, access to the new mobile app and access to the members education course. The reason for that date specifically is a communication sent by the then board of The Well Society which moved Society policy to seek monthly pledges rather than one-off payments:
To help achieve long-term financial stability for Motherwell FC and its vision of becoming the best community club in Scotland, we are asking all members to pledge money to the Well Society each month.
Last month we sent an email to members seeking approval for a revised membership structure. We have received an overwhelming endorsement of the proposals and thank everyone who responded.
The policy now is to seek ongoing monthly pledges by direct debit, similar to the Foundation of Hearts, replacing the system of initial membership payments and annual renewal fees. You can pay £10 a month, £20, £30 or as much as you are able.
Your contributions will still be recognised in the form of benefits, based on an incremental scale. Most importantly, though, you will be investing in a sustainable financial future for your club, providing it with working capital as it moves towards a self-sufficient future with the help of Les Hutchison.
It is true to say that the proposal for those who joined the Well Society after this date when the new policy commenced and are no longer making a minimum contribution of £5 per month or £60 annual will lose their membership status and voting rights.
Thanks again folks.
Philip