How can our central governance evolve and adapt to new challenges while remaining true to that which makes us distinctly Quaker?

Simplifying structures

Britain Yearly Meeting has been on a journey both localy and nationally to discover how we may release energy in our meetings and communities to better allow for the leadings of the spirit. Trustees, who hold some responsibility for our central work asked Yearly Meeting 2023 to consider if it was time to review how our central structures operate.

[QUOTE-START]

We are led to create new structures for central work that are more sustainable and more inclusive, and which provide wider opportunities for service, including Friends who do not have a single, long term, geographical base

- Minute 21, Yearly Meeting 2023

[QUOTE-END]

The Group to Review Central Structures (GRCS) was set up in response to the decision taken at Yearly Meeting 2023 to " look anew at our structures, including our Central Committees."

It's membership is made up of:

  • An external convenor nominated by the BYM Trustees
  • Trustees
  • QPSW Central Committee members
  • Quaker Life Central Committee members
  • Central Nominations Committee members
  • Meeting for Sufferings Arrangements Group members
  • a representative from Group to Review Yearly Meeting, Yearly Meeting Gathering and Meeting for Sufferings

Feedback needed

GRCS is proposing the creation of a single central committee. We hope you can answer the following questions:

  • What are your hopes for how a single central committee might turn discernment into action?
  • What are your concerns about how a single central committee might operate in the proposed structure?

Please read the GRCS consultation document (PDF) and consider the questions. Responses are welcome from individual Friends, informal groups, and Quaker communities.

This consultation is open until 13th October 2024 and responses will be collated for GRCS to consider as they continue their discernment.

Please share this widely and send all contributions to

GRCS consultation document (PDF)

Contact us

Contact the governance team with any questions

governance@quaker.org.uk