Hallam FC 1860 Members Club Meeting 29 April 2026 – Proposals to improve transparency, accountability and democracy.
Leadership & Governance
Proposal 1
The club should move to a more collective and collaborative leadership model where the club is led by a Board or Committee. The current committee have the power to approve applications for club membership and appoint members on to the committee between AGM’s. Action should be taken now to refresh the committee by seeking interest from volunteers, 1860 Club members, supporters, possible investors and those with skills to offer.
Proposal 2
The role of the Board or Committee should be clearly defined. There should be role descriptions for the principal officers so everyone knows what the roles are and how they could possibly play a part. I suggest the roles should be Chair, Secretary, Finance, Property & Facilities, Marketing, Football Operations, Communications & Engagement, and Community Partnerships. There can also be Board/Committee members who will not have specific roles but who may want to play a part. All Board Committee members to be subject to election at the club AGM on a rotating basis, serving 3-year terms.
Proposal 3
There should be a revised constitution for the club and the development of associated rules such as policies on Club membership and voting rights, elections, Board/Committee Membership and Conduct, Standing Orders for Committee/Board meetings, and Standing Orders for the AGM or EGM.
When drawing up the revised constitution for the club specific provision be made for all members of the 1860 Club to have the right to attend the AGM of the club (or EGM) and the right to vote at the AGM or any EGM.
The development of the new constitution must be the subject of consultation with Club 1860 members and club supporters.
Proposal 4
The refreshed Board/Committee should give proper consideration to what is the appropriate legal structure for the club (Unincorporated Association, Limited Company, Community Interest Company etc) and present proposals to the club AGM or an EGM. Club 1860 members and fans to be consulted on these issues as part of this consideration.
Consultation, Engagement & Influence
Proposal 5
There should continue to be consultation meetings for 1860 Club members, the Committee/Board should provide 1860 Club members with a monthly update of developments at the club.
Proposal 6
The Communication and Engagement Lead on the Board/Committee should have a specific brief to build positive relationships with supporters’ and supporters’ groups.
Proposal 7
If a Supporters’ Trust (a legal Community Benefit Society) or other properly organised supporters’ group is established the club should recognise that body and constructively engage with it so that supporters’ have a formal route to influence club decisions.
In his statement of 4 April, the Chairman wrote on the club website, “We remain committed to retaining the community involvement in the club and developing a model that gives YOU our Hallam FC family a say in moving forward”. I believe that proposals 5,6 and 7 above are entirely consistent with this stated objective.
Medium Term Ambition & Strategy
Proposal 8
That the refreshed Committee/Board commission the development of such a strategy based on an ambition for where we want the club to go and what we want it to be like. We should look to open up the club to academia, charities, Sheffield: Home of Football, businesses, community groups etc to say emphatically that the club is open for business and partnerships with others.
Given other issues this is not an immediate priority, but having a longer-term strategy against which to judge shorter term decisions will be helpful for the club.
The 26/27 Year & Season
Proposal 9.
There needs to be an urgent, open and honest conversation with Club 1860 members and supporters regarding the prospects for the 26/27 season, on any gap between income and expenditure that is needed for Step 4 football, and how the club can bridge that gap. What part can supporters play in that? What part can businesses or investors play? In essence, can we reasonably attempt to repeat 25/26 or will we be in a relegation battle from the off in 26/27?
Proposal 10
There needs to be an urgent, open and honest conversation with Club 1860 members and supporters regarding the prospects for Ground Grading and whether a drop to Step 5 is a realistic prospect. If it is, and that happens, what will the plan be to get back to Step 4 asap?
Steve Walmsley
Season Ticket Holder, Away Match Regular, Player Sponsor and Pitch Sponsor.
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