Headlines from the committee meeting

The SDA Committee met on 6 October

These are brief notes of the meeting held to review progress and decide on future actions.

The first item was to finally agree the constitution which can be read at the end for those interested in such things. Of key interest are the objects of SDA:

1. To improve the political decision making process in south Wiltshire and in particular Salisbury City
2. To engage citizens more in the political process
3. To improve the democratic process.

The first object is a familiar lament of the Democracy Café meetings and concerns the process of decision making particularly at County level. Little real consultation takes place which leads onto the second objective which is partly about Citizen’s Assemblies. Where these have been tried they have led to positive results but they are yet to appear in Wiltshire as far as we know. This means decision making is remote and such consultations that do take place are mainly around options already decided.

It was agreed we need to remind visitors to the Democracy Café that it is part of SDA. Some may see it as a ‘stand alone’ activity.

Website

Views of our website ae encouraging with nearly 3,000 for the year as a whole and 477 in July, 401 in August and 266 last month. We should exceed last year’s total.

Helping

In common with many not for profit organisations, we need people to help with projects. It is difficult to organise events and progress matters unless we have people to help with some of the work. So if the idea of a better performing democracy appeals to you, think about joining us.

We discussed various publicity initiatives which will be actioned over the coming months.

Progress

Following the Assemble events we organised last year, we received brief reports on progress. The Community Hub idea is making progress and there is a firm commitment from the Football Club to provide a venue. Progress is hoped for the installation of an artificial pitch which will have many positive effects and attract teams from around the country.

Hub ideas

There was discussion about the various initiatives and talks about ‘hubs’ of various kinds involving a variety of organisations and initiatives in the area. It was agreed that SDA would offer to co-host and possibly help organise a meeting or seminar to see if some kind of common ground can be found. We would also offer to part fund such an initiative. Once a broad outline was agreed then ideas being discussed for a project worker could then proceed. The offer of help and funds will be made. Watch this space.

Information point

The idea of an information point was mooted. One of the issues at elections and at other times is knowing quite what the various parties are proposing. The information point would – over time – gather together the manifestos and promises and put them into a single place. This would be added to over time.

If any of these ideas appeal get in touch.

The next Democracy Café is this Saturday 10th starting at 10:00 as usual. If you haven’t been before, you can come and suggest a topic to debate (or not, many don’t) and we vote on the suggestions with the top two usually being chosen.

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Constitution of Salisbury Democracy Alliance

Accepted on 26 January 2026

1. The name of the Association will be Salisbury Democracy Alliance “the Alliance”.

• The objects of the Alliance are:

1. To improve the political decision making process in south Wiltshire and in particular Salisbury City
2. To engage citizens more in the political process
3. To improve the democratic process.

• The Alliance shall have the following aims:

1. To encourage the relevant local authorities to consider citizens’ assemblies (or similar mechanisms) for significant policy matters in their area.
2. To work with others to achieve this aim.
3. To hold Democracy Cafés enabling people to debate social, political or ethical matters chosen by them.
4. To carry out any other activity which will address the aims identified in paragraph 2.
5. To promote the ideas of citizen involvement and democracy.

Amendments to the objects and aims will be made at a meeting by a majority of those present.

• Attendance is open to the residents of Wiltshire.

• The Alliance shall have no party political affiliation. 

• The Alliance shall have a steering committee made up of a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary and treasurer; all posts are open to job sharing.  Any other posts can be co-opted as needed, subject to ratification at the next AGM.  The size of the steering committee shall not exceed twelve persons.

• The Alliance will accept co-opted individuals onto the steering committee with relevant expertise or interests.  This will be with the agreement of the steering committee.

• Additional sub groups will be created to represent particular interests or work on projects as required.

• Four members of the group will constitute a quorum at meetings. Notice of meetings must be given at least 7 week days before the meeting is held.

1. The Annual General Meeting will take place in October each year.  There will be four meetings a year.

1. The Alliance has the power to raise funds.  Funds for the Alliance will be raised voluntarily or by application to other organisations.  Funds will be disbursed solely to promote the aims of the Alliance.

1. The Treasurer will continue to hold an account in the name of the Alliance, and present a report on the accounts at the steering committee meetings and the Annual General meeting.

1. The Alliance may be wound up at any time if agreed by at least two-thirds of members present and voting at an AGM or EGM called for the purpose.  Notice must be given at least 14 week days before the meeting.  In the event of winding up any assets remaining, after all debts have been paid, shall be given to another group with similar aims.

Adoption

This Constitution was adopted on 26 January 2026 and signed by the formation committee:

Frances Owen

Andrew Hemming

Peter Curbishley

Lesley Curbishley

Version control

v.1 circulated 1 September 2025

v.2 amended and agreed 26 January 2026