Membership Mergers Policy
The purpose of this policy is to fairly manage situations when existing members of Befriending Networks merge with another organisation. This policy sets out our position, procedures support staff to implement this policy.
We recognise that when organisations merge, there can also be a significant amount of strain on staff, volunteers and service users. Our policy reflects our organisation’s value of being supportive. It will provide clarity to members who find themselves in a merger position. It also aims to minimise administrative tasks for the member who will, without doubt, be navigating change and additional workload as a result of the merger.
Scenarios
Scenario 1: An existing member is the lead partner in a merger with a non-member (our existing member retains their charity/company number)
An existing member is the lead partner in a merger (retaining charity/company number). This means that another organisation (non-member) has merged into them. The existing member’s charity/company number remains unchanged. Note, they may change their organisation name.
In this situation, the existing membership will remain valid until the next renewal date. The member should anticipate a change in membership fee at the next renewal if their income increases because of the merger, and this moves them into a new membership category.
Scenario 2: Two existing members are merging (one member retains the charity/company number)
Two existing members are merging (one member retains the charity/company number). The membership of the lead partner (the organisations retaining the charity/company number) should remain valid until the next renewal date. The membership of the organisation, which is being wound up should be cancelled, and contacts merged into the lead partner. Note, they may change their organisation name, and all email addresses will need to be reconfirmed.
No refunds will be given for the cancelled membership. The member should anticipate a change in membership fee at the next renewal if their income increases because of the merger, and this moves them into a new membership category.
Scenario 3: An existing member is merged into a new organisation (changing charity/company number)
An existing member is merged into a new organisation (changing charity/company number). In these instances, the remaining time on the membership should be transferred to the new organisation if they apply for membership. An application will be required, and payment made for a new membership at the appropriate level, any remaining time on the existing membership will be added to the renewal date.
e.g. Org 1 has 5 months remaining. They are merged into Org 2 (non-member). Org 2 must apply for membership and make a payment. Membership duration would then be 17 months.
If the new organisation does not apply, then the existing membership will expire on the renewal date, or earlier if the organisation is wound up.
Mergers and Quality in Befriending Award
The integrity of the Quality in Befriending Award is grounded in the organisational structure, governance, policy and procedures. The merger of two organisations will alter the delivery or governance of the service in some way. There are many variables in how mergers will impact on Quality in Befriending Award holders. It should be anticipated that a paid-for reaccreditation will need to be undertaken within 9 months of the merger to retain the Quality in Befriending Award and a new expiration date will be applied (3 years from the reaccreditation award date).
It may be the decision of the Award holder to end their Award early or delay reaccreditation if they are undergoing a significant review of policies and practice. In such cases, a gap in the Award will occur, and the full Award must be reapplied for. The organisation should not continue to state they are Award holders. If the existing Award has less than 6 months remaining, it will run until the expiration date or end sooner if the organisation is wound up.
Approved: 19 June 2025
Date for Review: 30 April 2028