In April 2025 LOCSU released a new model constitution that was co-developed with LOCs with legal oversight from Hempsons LLP.
The new model constitution is more flexible than its predecessor from 2016 and is designed to accommodate greater local variation; enabling LOCs to make more choices on how they operate while maintaining a common high standard of governance consistent with the NHS Act.
For example, the new model constitution provides LOCs with options to:
- decide numbers and roles on the committee to achieve balanced representation that suits local circumstances,
- manage officer terms and vice-officer roles to improve continuity, capacity building and succession planning,
- elect DOs as LOC Members with voting rights and ability to hold officer positions,
- increase co-opted members to build capacity (limited to not exceed the elected members),
- agree parameters with constituents for making in-year changes to the levy as needed to administer the LOC and reserves policy (without an EGM),
- collect income from other sources (beyond the levy).
This is not a complete list; in combination these changes create an opportunity for LOCs to reflect on their current structure — how representative and effective it is — and whether changes might support better continuity, diversity, or capacity building.