SLCVO

After a number of years of voluntary service, the current Directors/Trustees of Staffin Community Hall Association intend to step down from their roles on 30 September 2026.

 

This is an opportunity for new people to become involved in shaping the future of a very important community asset. You do not need any previous experience, just an interest in helping your local community.

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For an informal chat about the role, please contact SLCVO's Chief Officer Jo-Anne Ford  jo.ford@slcvo.org.uk.

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Getting in touch does not commit you to anything. It is simply an opportunity to find out more and see how you could help secure the future of the Hall and Shop for the community.

 

What has been achieved?

Over recent years, Staffin Community Hall Directors and sub-committee volunteers have worked hard to:

• Strengthen the Hall's governance and legal compliance.

• Improve the organisation's ability to attract funding.

• Develop plans for the future redevelopment of the Hall.

• Support improvements to local parking facilities.

• Ensure the continuation of a vital local shop service for the community.

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When the current Board took on responsibility for the Hall, there were a number of challenges to address. Through the dedication, commitment and hard work of Directors, volunteers and sub-committee members, the organisation has been brought to a position of greater stability, stronger governance and improved opportunities for the future.

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The current Directors believe that the main objectives they set out to achieve, helping place the Hall on a strong and sustainable footing for the benefit of the community, have now largely been completed. As a result, they have decided that the time is right to step down from their voluntary roles and take a well-deserved break.

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Their decision is not a reflection of concerns about the future of the Hall. Instead, it is seen as a positive opportunity for new people, fresh ideas and renewed energy to build on the progress that has already been made and lead the Hall into its next chapter.

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An Important Community Asset

The Hall is an important community asset at the heart of Staffin. To continue operating, the Hall needs people to serve as Directors/Trustees. These volunteers are responsible for overseeing the organisation, making decisions on behalf of the Hall, ensuring it meets its legal obligations, managing finances and helping guide future developments. They play a vital role in protecting the Hall and ensuring it continues to benefit the community.

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Under the Hall's governing document, a minimum of three Directors is required at all times to form a quorum and allow decisions to be made. Without sufficient Directors, the Hall cannot effectively govern its activities, fulfil its legal responsibilities or support the continued operation of the community facilities linked to it.

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Recruiting new Directors/Trustees is therefore essential to ensure the Hall can continue to operate, develop and remain a vibrant community asset for current and future generations.

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What happens if no new Community Hall Directors come forward?
The Hall's governing document requires a minimum of three Directors. Without sufficient Directors, the Hall would have no governing body with authority to:

• Approve payments.

• Sign and manage contracts or agreements.

• Make important decisions.

• Deal with emergencies.

• Fulfil its responsibilities in relation to the Shop.

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If new Directors do not come forward over the next few weeks, an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) will be held on 30 September. At that meeting, the current Directors will formally step down, and members will need to appoint new Directors to take the Hall forward.

 

If no new Directors can be recruited, members will need to consider the options available, which could include beginning the process of closing the organisation.

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As the Shop operates from the Hall building, any difficulties affecting the Hall could also impact the future operation of the Shop. This is why recruiting new Directors is so important.
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Relationship Between Staffin Community Hall and Staffin Stores

Staffin Community Hall Association is a charity and company that owns Staffin Stores Ltd, a separate company that operates the village shop. The shop was established to support the work and objectives of the Community Hall Association. 

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How the Relationship Works

The governing documents of Staffin Stores Ltd shows that:

• The company was established to benefit Staffin Community Hall Association. 

• Any profits generated by the company are intended to support the Hall Association. 

• The Hall Association has certain rights in relation to the governance of the company, including approval of directors and shares.

 

Roles and Responsibilities

The Shop Directors are responsible for the day-to-day operation of Staffin Stores Ltd, including managing the business, staff, finances and shop operations. 

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The Community Hall Association has responsibilities relating to the overall ownership and governance structure of the company. These include matters relating to directors, shares and certain constitutional decisions. 

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Further information about charity trading subsidiaries can be found on the OSCR website. OSCR | 2. Trading subsidiaries

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A Final Note

The future of Staffin Community Hall now depends on new people coming forward to become Directors/Trustees.

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Without the minimum of three Directors required by the governing document, the Hall cannot continue to operate or make important decisions. If no new Directors can be recruited, members may ultimately need to consider closing the organisation. This could put the future of both the Hall and the village shop at risk.

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If you value these important community assets, please consider getting involved. A small number of people stepping forward could make all the difference.

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For an informal chat about the role, please contact Jo-Anne Ford at jo.ford@slcvo.org.uk.

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