PROPOSAL: That the IGBA undertake a restructuring of its constitutional and organizational framework with the objective of assuming the future role of sole international governing body for the Gloster Canary Fancy.
Understandably the committee have had discussions on how the IGBA can be restructured to incorporate the governing body within its structure.
The final detail on Constitutional and Organizational framework would be concluded once the outcome of the proposal at the AGM is known.
The future for Glosters with the IGBA restructuring for future sole governing body status might start with:-
The question many will be asking is “How can the IGBA fulfil distinctly separate functions within the same organization?”
The IGBA committee understands that any governing organization willing to lead or “govern” among many things needs to:
- be autonomous
- have elected individuals representing all Gloster organizations world-wide.
- not be a selective elite body
- be able to function democratically.
- be seen to not be able to manipulate governing functionality.
- have resources to support activities.
- meet regularly to identify and act on current and future issues relative to “The Fancy”
- clearly communicate on its deliberations, decisions and actions.
To answer the question and address the points 1-6 means looking dispassionately and objectively at the IGBA its potential future structure, global reach, resource, individual and affiliate membership both in the UK and Overseas.
To function effectively in both Governing and Current Association format the answer to “How can the IGBA fulfil distinctly separate functions within the same organization?” Is simple
The IGBA structure and constitution will obviously need to change.
This schematic identifies how the IGBA would be restructured with two separate autonomous sectors.
The name of the organization remains the same, its global reputation over 60 years dictates no change for the 400+ members and 30 Affiliates.
The IGBA continues as an unincorporated not for profit organization with:
- an autonomous governing section ( Name to be decided e.g. IGBConfederation) with no jurisdiction over the IGBA activity / operating section.
- an autonomous IGBA activity section operating as current with no jurisdiction over the Governing Section.
The current thirty independent “all Gloster organizations” that affiliate to the IGBA, through their affiliation, to provide one representative with one vote on a Governing Body Steering committee who’s function it will be to discuss, decide and implement agreed actions on any issue pertaining to common Gloster issues anywhere in the world.
Any Gloster organization wishing to be involved in the Governing group but not wishing to join IGBA activity / operating section will be able to apply for membership to the Governing section, be accepted and pay a nominal fee BUT WILL NOT enjoy the benefits of being a IGBA activity / operating section member.
Affiliates who join the IGBA activity / operating section, as now, continue to enjoy their benefits, their fee would include one representative place on the IGBA Governing Section steering committee.
The Governing Section Chair, Secretary and officers would be individuals elected by the Governing Section representatives NOT by, or through, the IGBA activity / operating section committee.
The IGBA activity / operating section would have one representative with one vote on the Governing Section.
The Governing Section would enjoy the support resources of the IGBA Operating Section at No Cost.
- Website presence.
- Social Media presence.
- Zoom technology use for global meetings.
- Administration support if and when necessary.
- World promotion through current and future IGBA activities.
- Agreed budgeted value of fiscal support for Gloster activity if proven necessary.
Each IGBA operating section member would see and feel they are a part of a global governing body and that their voice is heard, whereas at present there is no such feeling or communication through to the grass roots.
Each member would see a democratic elected body as opposed to a selective elite body.
A draft constitution for the new structure has been produced and checked for members to be able to see that the proposal is founded on principles and procedures that are exactly the level of structure used by long-established livestock and aviculture bodies.
IGBA will look and operate like a proper international governing body liaising with external bodies and regulatory authorities for the best benefit of the Gloster Fancy.
IF you have any questions relating to this proposal, please submit to admin@igba.co.uk to arrive by 14th March 2026
IGBA Committee 20th February 2026.
