Can I respond to two points from the different threads:
Andrew Whitworth said:
> Are you worried that ChapCom is moving too slowly, or that the chapter
is moving too quickly?
When we originally drew up the timetable, we hoped that we could send our constitution documents to ChapCom and they could confirm to us within a week whether they were happy or if not, what changes they wanted. Following that we would submit the documents to the UK Companies House to be incorporated. In the event it seems this was a bit too optimistic.
We sent them our Mem+Arts on 16th October. On 27th October we met to sign the documents. The only response we had received by then from ChapCom was two questions that Andrew Whitworth passed on to us which we answered in an email. The Board decided to go ahead with incorporation and just revise the constitution by a Special Resolution if ChapCom wanted changes.
The next steps we have planned are to apply to open a bank account and then to accept members. The problem we have is that the longer the response is delayed, the more problematic it becomes to revise the documents if ChapCom wants this. Prior to incorporation, all we had to do was edit the meta. Now, we would have to organise a General Meeting of the five existing Board Members, pass a resolution and post a copy to Companies House. Not too much of a problem but wed have about five forms to fill in.
If we start to open a bank account and then have to change, we would have to send them a copy to, and possibly explain why.
If we start to admit members, that would mean the resolution would have to be passed at the first AGM again not a problem but more forms to fill in and it would delay the process
If we are already approved by the Charity Commission, wed have to get their approval first which would mean lots of delays and forms to fill in.
So all in all, the quicker we can get a response from ChapCom the less work we will have to do in response. More generally, it would be very useful if we were given some idea of the timescale that things were working to, will it be a few days, a few weeks or a few months? That way we could plan better.
Michael Bimmler said:
>Hi,
>referring to a point in the minutes:
>"Wikimedia trademark negotiation: AT e-mailed ChapCom but has not yet
>received a response."
>I do not remember the very question now....
Thanks very much for this response that clarifies matters quite a lot for us. The origin of this comment is that when the timetable was put together we had two stages: 1: ChapCom approves Mem+Arts; 2: WMG signs contract with us to permit use of trademark.
The email I sent was actually to PrivateMusings who offered to help on this list and his reply, which I since received says essentially the same as you said. We havent looked at the standard Chapters Agreement but I imagine this will be sufficient for this.
Regards,
Andrew