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Constitution & Governance Framework

Document Reference: BLAS-CGF-001
Version: 1.0
Approved by: Board of Directors/Trustees
Approval Date: 16/07/2026 
Review Date: [12 Months from Approval]
Policy Owner: Chairperson / Chief Executive Officer: Cllr. Andrew Read

1. Introduction

Black London Advisory Service (BLAS) is a community-focused organisation dedicated to empowering individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and communities through independent advice, advocacy, education, signposting, and practical support.


BLAS exists to reduce inequality, improve access to opportunities, promote social justice, and strengthen economic participation across Black and ethnically diverse communities while providing services that are open and accessible to all.


This Constitution and Governance Framework establishes how BLAS is governed, managed, and held accountable.

2. Mission

To empower individuals and communities by providing trusted advice, practical support, advocacy, and access to opportunities that improve lives and promote equality.

3. Vision

To become London's leading independent community advisory organisation, recognised for excellence, integrity, inclusion, and measurable social impact.

4. Core Values

BLAS is guided by the following principles:


Integrity
We act honestly, ethically, professionally, and transparently.
Equality
Everyone deserves dignity, fairness, and equal opportunity.
Respect
We value every individual regardless of background.
Empowerment
We help people develop the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions.
Community
We believe stronger communities create stronger futures.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions and continuously improve our services.
Excellence
We strive to deliver high-quality, evidence-based advice and support.

5. Objects of the Organisation

The objectives of BLAS are to:

  • Provide free or affordable information, advice, and guidance.

  • Support people experiencing employment issues.

  • Signpost individuals to specialist legal and welfare services.

  • Promote entrepreneurship and business development.

  • Improve financial capability.

  • Assist individuals in accessing education and training.

  • Promote social inclusion.

  • Reduce inequalities.

  • Encourage community cohesion.

  • Deliver outreach programmes.

  • Support mental wellbeing through appropriate referrals.

  • Develop partnerships that improve community outcomes.

  • Conduct research into issues affecting local communities.

  • Deliver workshops, seminars, and educational programmes.

  • Support refugees, migrants, and newly arrived communities through signposting and practical guidance (within applicable regulatory limits).

6. Governance Structure

BLAS shall operate through a clear governance framework comprising:

  • Members (where applicable)

  • Board of Directors/Trustees

  • Chief Executive Officer

  • Senior Leadership Team

  • Employees

  • Volunteers

  • Advisory Panel (optional)

7. The Board

The Board has overall responsibility for:

  • Strategic direction

  • Financial sustainability

  • Governance

  • Risk management

  • Compliance

  • Policy approval

  • Organisational performance

  • Appointment and appraisal of the CEO

The Board shall always act in the best interests of BLAS.

8. Composition of the Board

The Board should consist of between 5 and 12 Directors/Trustees with a broad mix of skills, knowledge, and lived experience.

The Board should collectively possess expertise in areas such as:

  • Law

  • Finance

  • Human Resources

  • Employment

  • Immigration

  • Community Development

  • Charity Governance

  • Business

  • Marketing

  • Digital Technology

  • Education

  • Public Policy

Appointments should reflect BLAS's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

9. Officers

The Board shall appoint the following officers:

  • Chairperson

  • Vice Chairperson

  • Treasurer

  • Secretary

  • Chief Executive Officer (where applicable)

Additional officers may be appointed where required.

10. Duties of the Chair

The Chair shall:

  • Lead the Board.

  • Ensure effective governance.

  • Chair meetings.

  • Support the CEO.

  • Promote good decision-making.

  • Ensure compliance with governing documents.

11. Duties of the Treasurer

The Treasurer shall oversee:

  • Financial governance.

  • Budgets.

  • Financial reporting.

  • Audit processes.

  • Financial risk.

12. Duties of the Secretary

The Secretary shall:

  • Arrange meetings.

  • Maintain records.

  • Produce minutes.

  • Maintain statutory registers.

  • Ensure governance documentation is up to date.

13. Role of the Chief Executive Officer

The CEO is responsible for:

  • Delivering strategy.

  • Operational management.

  • Staff leadership.

  • Partnership development.

  • Compliance.

  • Service delivery.

  • Financial management.

  • Performance reporting.

The CEO reports directly to the Board.

14. Board Meetings

The Board shall meet at least four times each year.

Special meetings may be called where necessary.

Meetings may take place:

  • In person

  • Online

  • Hybrid

15. Quorum

A quorum shall be:

  • One-half of current Board members, or

  • A minimum of four Directors/Trustees,

whichever is greater.

No decisions shall be made without a quorum.

16. Voting

Each Director has one vote.

The Chair has a casting vote in the event of a tie.

Voting may be conducted:

  • By show of hands

  • Electronically

  • By written resolution where appropriate

17. Conflicts of Interest

All Board members shall declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
A conflicted member shall not participate in related discussions or decisions unless authorised in accordance with the Conflict of Interest Policy.
A Register of Interests shall be maintained.

18. Delegated Authority

The Board may establish committees, including:

  • Finance Committee

  • Audit & Risk Committee

  • Governance Committee

  • Fundraising Committee

  • HR Committee

  • Advice Quality Committee

Committees shall report to the Board.

The Board retains ultimate responsibility.

19. Decision-Making Principles

All decisions shall be:

  • Lawful

  • Transparent

  • Evidence-based

  • Financially responsible

  • In the public interest

  • Consistent with BLAS values

20. Financial Governance

BLAS shall:

  • Maintain accurate financial records.

  • Operate proper accounting systems.

  • Produce annual accounts.

  • Maintain financial controls.

  • Operate dual authorisation for payments.

  • Prepare annual budgets.

  • Monitor reserves.

  • Comply with all statutory financial reporting obligations.

21. Risk Management

The Board shall maintain a Risk Register covering:

  • Financial risks

  • Operational risks

  • Cyber security

  • Reputation

  • Safeguarding

  • Legal compliance

  • Data protection

  • Funding risks

Risks shall be reviewed quarterly.

22. Ethical Standards

BLAS commits to:

  • Honesty

  • Transparency

  • Professionalism

  • Independence

  • Confidentiality

  • Fairness

  • Accountability

Bribery, corruption, fraud, discrimination, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and abuse of authority are strictly prohibited.

23. Equality and Inclusion

BLAS will actively promote:

  • Equal opportunities

  • Inclusive recruitment

  • Accessible services

  • Cultural competence

  • Community participation

Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated.

24. Safeguarding

BLAS shall maintain robust safeguarding arrangements for:

  • Children

  • Young people

  • Vulnerable adults

All staff and volunteers shall receive appropriate safeguarding training.

25. Data Protection

BLAS will comply with:

  • UK GDPR

  • Data Protection Act 2018

Client information shall be processed lawfully, fairly, securely, and confidentially.

26. Accountability

The Board is accountable to:

  • Beneficiaries

  • Members

  • Funders

  • Regulators

  • Partners

  • Staff

  • Volunteers

  • The wider community

BLAS will publish an Annual Report outlining activities, finances, impact, governance, and future priorities.

27. Monitoring and Performance

The Board will monitor:

  • Service quality

  • Client satisfaction

  • Financial performance

  • Strategic objectives

  • Risk

  • Compliance

  • Social impact

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) shall be reviewed quarterly.

28. Review of the Constitution

This Constitution shall be reviewed every three years or sooner if required due to legislative, regulatory, or organisational changes.

Amendments require approval by at least two-thirds of the Board members present at a quorate meeting.

29. Dissolution

If BLAS ceases to operate:

  • Outstanding liabilities shall be settled.

  • Remaining assets shall be transferred to another organisation with similar charitable or community objectives, subject to applicable law and the organisation's legal structure.

  • No surplus shall be distributed for private benefit except where legally permitted (for example, repayment of legitimate liabilities or contractual obligations).

30. Adoption

This Constitution and Governance Framework was formally adopted by the Board of Black London Advisory Service (BLAS).

Position

Name

Signature

Date

Chairperson

Vice Chair

Andrew Reid

Graham

Treasurer

Secretary

Chief Executive Officer

Document Control

Version

Date

Author

Approved By

Review Date

1.0

16/07/2026

BLAS Governance Team

Board of Directors/Trustees

16/07/2027

Related Policies

  • Code of Conduct

  • Trustee & Director Responsibilities Policy

  • Conflict of Interest Policy

  • Financial Management Policy

  • Risk Management Policy

  • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

  • Safeguarding Policy

  • Data Protection & GDPR Policy

  • Complaints Policy

  • Whistleblowing Policy

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