8. The centrally managed work of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain

• 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15

It is unlikely that the work of the central committees, as described here, will remain unchanged for the next generation. The existence and basic functions of Quaker Life and Quaker Peace & Social Witness may not be altered except with the approval of Yearly Meeting (8.04) but the more detailed outline of the work of the committees described below may change more frequently according to the emphasis given by Meeting for Sufferings, the Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees and the central committees.

Constitution of central committees

Within the limits set out in 7.03, each central committee is accountable to the Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees for formulating and presenting policy for its their area of work in accordance with the long term framework plan approved by Meeting for Sufferings. They determine priorities for, monitor, and evaluate the work within their departments' areas department's area of responsibility. Each central committee is also responsible for:

• establishing functional committees and working groups as required and reviewing their work (8.04);
• establishing an effective nominations committee, working closely with the Central Nominations Committee (6.21) as appropriate;
• keeping the Trustees (and through them, Meeting for Sufferings) informed about significant matters arising from its area of responsibility;
• considering any matters that Meeting for Sufferings or the Trustees refer to it, either by consulting with an appropriate representative council, if relevant, or through urgent attention and action. (See also 8.21.)

Quaker Communications, Quaker Finance & Property, Quaker Life and Quaker Peace & Social Witness Central Committees work to terms of reference approved by the Trustees. Copies of all terms of reference may be obtained on application to the Recording Clerk. There are normally between ten and twenty members serving on each committee, appointed on a rolling triennial basis, with any re-appointment subject to a maximum service of three consecutive terms.

Next: 8.13