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Latest Society constitution plans out for views

The Law Society of Scotland has opened the latest stage of consultation in its development of a proposed new constitution.

The process runs from today (8 February) until 21 March.

A number of previous drafts, and a failed attempt to have a previous version adopted at last year's annual general meeting of the Society, led to a working party being appointed under the current vice president-elect, Bruce Beveridge, which is responsible for the current version.

The Society believes that a new model is necessary to equip it as a regulator as alternative business structures are about to come into being, and to enable members' participation by modern means of communication. The document also aims to reduce the size of the Society's Council, increase accountability and transparency, and improve the corporate governance of the Society.

Mr Beveridge encouraged as many members as possible to take part in the exercise. He said: “The Society has adapted proposals for constitutional change to satisfy earlier concerns raised by members, and the current version is effectively an advanced work in progress.

“But further feedback is vital in helping us finalise the version of the constitution that will be put to members at our annual general meeting in May."

He added: “Importantly, the revised constitution strengthens the position of the membership, for instance, in the implementation of motions passed at general meetings.”

Following the six-week consultation, Council members will consider the final draft document. Members will vote on the proposed new constitution at the AGM on 31 May.

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