Constitution of the Broads Reform Action Group (BRAG)
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1. Name and Establishment
1.1 The name of the organisation shall be the Broads Reform Action Group, hereinafter referred to as BRAG.
1.2 BRAG was established on 8 February 2023 as a non-profit, unincorporated association, operating primarily within Norfolk and Suffolk, but open to supporters across the UK and internationally.
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2. Purpose and Objectives
2.1 Purpose
BRAG exists to represent and advocate for the interests of all stakeholders affected by the governance of the Broads Authority (hereinafter “BA”), and to campaign for reforms that align the BA’s operations with its statutory obligations under the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 (as amended).
2.2 Objectives
BRAG shall work to:
a) Advocate for a governance structure that ensures leadership accountability, transparency, and proportional stakeholder representation.
b) Prevent any autocratic concentration of power within the BA by promoting democratic and collective decision-making.
c) Inform and engage residents of Norfolk and Suffolk, and the wider public, on matters affecting the Broads, encouraging participation and oversight.
2.3 Reform Goals
Specifically, BRAG will campaign to:
a) Return governance of the BA to its Members, ensuring transparency and genuine oversight.
b) Require that the Chief Executive is fully answerable to Members and operates strictly within powers delegated by the Board.
c) Establish a maximum term of office for the Chief Executive.
d) Ensure fair and proportionate representation of navigation and commercial experience within the Board and Senior Staff.
e) Strengthen the statutory powers and independence of the Navigation Committee under the 1988 Act.
f) Ensure public financial reporting allows clear monitoring of compliance with Section 3 of the 1988 Act.
g) Advocate for election of Members from the navigation community in proportion to toll income, ensuring a fair and apolitical selection process.
h) Require all BA staff to adhere to the Nolan Principles of Public Life.
i) Oppose the continued existence of the unelected “Chairs Group” or any similar informal governance mechanism.
j) Develop and promote a mechanism for meaningful stakeholder representation in governance.
k) Review the BA website and other communications for accuracy, removing misleading content.
l) Advocate for safeguards to prevent the Chief Executive from having any influence over the appointment of Members, the Navigation Committee Chair, or the Chair of the Board.
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3. Membership
3.1 Membership is open to any individual who supports BRAG’s aims, regardless of location.
3.2 The Committee may introduce a membership fee if necessary to support BRAG’s activities.
3.3 The Committee reserves the right to refuse or revoke membership where an individual’s actions are deemed incompatible with BRAG’s values or objectives, in accordance with Section 7.
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4. Committee and Officers
4.1 A Committee shall be elected to manage BRAG’s affairs and shall include the following Officer roles:
• Chair
• Vice Chair
• Secretary
• Treasurer (if required)
• Press Officer
• Any other Officers deemed necessary by the Committee
4.2 The initial Committee was formed from volunteers and shall serve for a minimum of 12 months. Elections or appointments may be held thereafter as determined by the Committee.
4.3 Additional Committee Members without portfolio may be appointed by majority vote and will hold equal voting rights.
4.4 Each Committee Member shall have one vote. The Chair, or Vice Chair in their absence, shall hold a casting vote in the event of a tie.
4.5 A quorum shall consist of one-third of the total number of Committee Members, rounded up to the next whole number.
4.6 If a Chair cannot be elected, the role may be shared or rotated among Committee Members as agreed.
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5. Meetings
5.1 The Committee shall aim to meet at least once every two months, or more frequently as needed.
5.2 Meeting dates and agendas will be agreed at the conclusion of each meeting where possible.
5.3 The Secretary shall notify all Committee Members of upcoming meetings by email, including the agenda and relevant documents.
5.4 Agenda submissions must be received at least seven days in advance of any scheduled meeting.
5.5 Working groups may be formed to progress specific matters between full Committee meetings.
5.6 Extraordinary meetings may be convened by the Chair (or Vice Chair) where urgent action or discussion is required.
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6. Intellectual Property and Confidentiality
6.1 All materials produced under the name of BRAG—including but not limited to reports, graphics, publications, photographs, and public statements—remain the intellectual property of BRAG.
6.2 No such materials may be published, disseminated, or reproduced without prior written approval from the Committee.
6.3 Committee Members must respect the confidentiality of internal discussions and materials.
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7. Termination of Membership
7.1 Any member may resign by providing written notice to both the Secretary and Chair.
7.2 Membership (including Committee Membership) may be revoked by a 75% majority vote of the Committee, where the individual is found to have acted contrary to the aims, values, or integrity of BRAG.
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8. Media and Public Communication
8.1 All public or press engagement should, wherever practicable, be coordinated through the Press Officer.
8.2 The Committee may authorise specific individuals to speak or write on behalf of BRAG on particular matters.
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9. Amendments to the Constitution
9.1 This Constitution may be amended by a simple majority vote of the Committee.
9.2 All members must be notified in advance of any proposed changes.
9.3 Where changes are of significant impact, the Committee may undertake broader consultation before a final decision.
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10. Financial Matters
10.1 Should BRAG require a bank account, it shall be established in the name of BRAG and administered by the Treasurer, under the oversight of the Committee.
10.2 All financial decisions must be approved by at least two Officers.
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11. Dissolution
11.1 BRAG may be dissolved if it becomes inactive, ineffective, or by agreement of the Committee.
11.2 Upon dissolution, any remaining funds shall be donated to a registered charity that benefits the Norfolk Broads, as agreed by the Committee.
11.3 If larger sums were received via donations or loans, the Committee shall attempt, in good faith, to return such funds on a proportional basis where feasible.
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Annex 1: Officers of BRAG
• Chair: Karen Morris
• Vice Chair: Jamie Campbell
• Secretary: Mike Morris
• Committee Member: Chris Edmondson
• Committee Member: Stuart Ogden