Branch structure review - agree changes and identify sub-branches

To note the outcomes of a branch structure review, conducted by the Branch
Committee, in consultation with local teams and sub-branches:

Minimum base of actions for sub-branches

While the branch will continue to provide support with activities like
canvassing training, guidance on how to contact new members and other support
and guidance, sub-branches will play a key role in local delivery of branch
activities. The following are suggested minimum expectations for the role of
sub-branches. These should be considered as guidance, rather than rules, and
there is a degree of flexibility about how sub-branches should operate.

Currently, sub-branches are required to hold an AGM and elect at least three
office bearers. It is proposed to loosen this requirement, so that sub-branches
are encouraged to elect office bearers, but are not required to do so.

Removal of distinction between local teams and sub-branches

Currently the branch has two separate types of local group – local teams and
sub-branches. Whilst this distinction was helpful when local teams were being
encouraged to form for the first time, now the system has been in place for
eight years with an established set of teams, the distinction is no longer as
useful. It also creates an additional layer of complexity to our structure, and
many members are unclear or confused about the practical difference between
them, or what they mean.

It is proposed to remove the distinction, and have one type of local group –
sub-branches. All existing local teams (or any future amalgamation of existing
local teams, should they decide to merge) should be considered as sub-branches.

The branch standing orders and constitution should be amended to reflect this,
by removing the local teams function and making appropriate amendments to the
sub-branches section to reflect the proposals in this document. Two further
motions are proposed to the AGM to accomplish this.

Financial autonomy of sub-branches

The branch constitution provides for sub-branches to have some financial
autonomy, but this has largely not been put into practice.

It is proposed this is achieved by creating a line for each sub-branch in the
branch budget that they would have discretion on how to spend (e.g. for room
hire for meetings). Expenses and costs would be paid by the branch Treasurer.
The specific amounts of each sub-branch’s budget will be decided by the next
committee.

It should be noted that the national party constitution does not allow sub-
branches to have separate bank accounts.

Mergers of some existing local teams

A number of wards have consistently struggled to establish a local team, despite
numerous efforts over a number of years. This is often linked to having smaller
numbers of members.

It is proposed to facilitate mergers between some wards in this position with
neighbouring local teams (to form sub-branches) with the aim of ensuring active
sub-branches in every part of the branch area, who are capable of carrying out
the minimum base of actions above. Following discussions, the following line up
has been agreed with local teams and sub-branches.

Sub-branches in Edinburgh and West Lothian

To agree that the following are the sub-branches in the branch area:

To agree that Pentland Hills can be added to one of the sub-branches following
further consultation with local members, without requiring a further motion to a
General Meeting.

To agree that the names of the sub-branches can be changed by agreement with
sub-branch members, without requiring a further motion to a General Meeting.