Is Your Club’s Constitution Helping or Hindering You?
The underpinning values of every community club is constructed in their constitution. Yet for many boards, this vital document gathers dust in a filing cabinet, quietly shaping decisions without being actively reviewed. Just like a solid building needs strong foundations, a well-structured Constitution can make or break your club’s future success. The Problem With Too Many (or Too Few) Leaders Imagine steering a ship with too many captains – or worse, captains who change every few months. Many clubs find themselves in this position, and the result is more than just frustration – it can limit growth opportunities and undermine your venue’s success. Too many board members: Decision-making slows, debates drag out, and clear direction gets lost in the noise. Rapid Board turnover: By the time new members find their feet, their term ends. Fresh faces bring new ideas, but also bring constant shifts in priorities, making it almost impossible to deliver long-term strategy. For hospitality venues, where consistency and strategic planning are key, these governance issues can stall growth and create confusion. Finding the Right Balance A strong Constitution strikes a balance: The right board size – big enough for diverse views, small enough for efficient decision-making. Longer, staggered terms – giving members time to make meaningful contributions while ensuring continuity. This structure provides stability, allowing your board to set a clear vision, stick to it, and see results over time. Why Skills Matter as Much as Structure It’s not just about how many people sit at the table – it’s about who they are. A well-rounded board can be a game-changer for your club. Diversity in demographics, open-mindedness and a broad range of skills are key to success. When your Constitution supports the right mix of skills and experience, your board becomes a powerful asset rather than a bottleneck. Time to Review Your Constitution? if your Constitution hasn’t been reviewed in years, it may not only be holding your venue back but also not fully addressing your obligations. A modern, fit-for-purpose Constitution ensures your governance framework actively supports growth, compliance, and long-term success. At DNS Specialist Services, we work with clubs to review, update, and strengthen their Constitutions. The result? A governing document that’s clear, practical, aligned with your goals and protects the organisation. Ready to make sure your club’s foundation is as strong as your future? Let’s chat about a Constitution review today.