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Standing orders

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Last updated June 2026
1. Definitions

For the purposes of these standing orders:

1.1.1 Rethinking Economics International (REI) means the registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation [CIO], its staff, trustees, legal members, resources and activities that work to support the Network.

1.1.2 Rethinking Economics Network (the Network) is the international network of: members, groups, affiliates, national and regional networks; which share the mission of Rethinking Economics International.

1.1.3 Individual Member means a person aged between 18 and 35 years old who has joined REI in an individual capacity in accordance with the standing orders.

1.1.4 Solidarity Member means a person who supports REI but is not an Individual Member with voting rights, including an individual who is 35 years old or has passed the age of 35 and moved out of Individual Membership.

1.1.5 Member-group means an affiliated group within the REI network, including University Groups, Regional Networks, Councils, Communities of Practice and City Groups, where applicable.

1.1.6 University Group means an affiliated group based at a tertiary or higher education institution.

1.1.7 Regional Network means a geographically defined organisation, network or collective advancing REI’s mission within a regional, national or state boundary but which has not been granted Council status.

1.1.8 Council means a recognised national, regional or state member-group, or combination of eligible groups, which has been granted Council status by REI and is entitled to representation on the International Council.

1.1.9 City Group means a geographically defined organising group based in a single city.

1.1.10 Community of Practice is a thematic, sectoral, workplace-based or interest-based group of members affiliated to REI.

1.1.11 International Members Council (IMC) means the political and strategic representative members council of REI composed of delegates from recognised Councils. For the purposes of these standing orders, they are the body referred to in the Constitution as the Members’ Council. The IMC delegates shall be treated as the members of the CIO and as the holders of the governance functions otherwise assigned to the Members’ Council, unless and until a constitutional amendment provides otherwise.

1.1.12 Delegate means the person elected or appointed to represent a Council on the IMC, and therefore are legal members of REI.

1.1.13 Trustee Board means the charity trustees of REI who are legally responsible for the organisation.

1.1.14 Staff Team means the staff employed by REI.

1.1.15 Voting Power means the right to vote in an election, ballot, preferendum, referendum or decision recognised by these Standing Orders.

1.1.156 Proposal Power means the right to submit a motion or resolution which must be considered through the procedures set out in these Standing Orders.

1.1.17 General Meeting means a general meeting of the legal members of the CIO, including the Annual General Meeting.

1.1.18 AGM means the Annual General Meeting of REI.

1.1.19 The Electoral College has the meaning given to it in the Constitution unless and until the Constitution is amended.

2. Introduction

2.1 Purpose

Rethinking Economics International has Standing Orders. These Standing Orders are the reference document that sets out how the Rethinking Economics Network and Rethinking Economics International communicate, collaborate, affiliate, govern and operate.
These Standing Orders should be freely available to those associated with Rethinking Economics International.

2.2 Relationship with the Constitution

These Standing Orders operate alongside the Constitution of Rethinking Economics International. Where there is any conflict between these Standing Orders and the Constitution, the Constitution shall prevail.

2.3 Amendments to this document

These Standing Orders may be amended by a majority vote at a General Meeting of the legal members of the CIO, unless the Constitution requires otherwise. Administrative changes may be made between General Meetings provided that they:

  • do not conflict with the Constitution;
  • do not materially alter governance rights, voting powers or accountability structures; and
  • are approved separately by the Trustee Board and the IMC, or by any successor body with legal authority under the Constitution.

2.4 Vision, purpose and values

REI’s vision is of an economy that serves people and planet – just, equitable and democratic. REI’s purpose is to rethink, reteach and rebuild economics. REI shall act in line with its values of courage, curiosity and care.

3. Membership, affiliation and participation

3.1 General principles

REI shall maintain a membership and affiliation model that supports both individual participation and collective organising across different geographies, institutions and sectors. Membership or affiliation within the wider Network does not in itself confer legal membership of the CIO unless expressly stated in the Constitution.

3.2 Individual Members

Individual Members are the core democratic members of the REI network.

To qualify as an Individual Member, a person must:

  • be at least 18 years old;
  • be under the age of 35;
  • complete the relevant membership process; and
  • pay the applicable membership contribution (fee) unless granted a free or subsidised membership as outlined in 3.3

Individual Members:

  • have one vote each in elections for their constituency delegate to the International Members Council;
  • may vote in referendum or ballots properly called under these Standing Orders;
  • may stand for election as a delegate to the International Council, subject to the eligibility rules;
  • may attend and participate in REI events, training, General Meetings where permitted, and other democratic processes of the network.
  • Individual membership is personal and non-transferable.

3.3 Free and subsidised individual membership

REI may offer free or subsidised individual membership on a trust basis for members unable to pay, subject to available resources and relevant policies. REI should seek to ensure that members in countries where international payments are difficult are fairly supported within any such scheme.

3.4 Automatic association with local structures

Where applicable, an Individual Member shall automatically be associated with:

  • the University Group connected to their institution; and/or
  • the City Group covering their city.

Where no such structure exists, the member may still participate directly in REI and may fall within a wider constituency, including a Rest of the World constituency if such a constituency is established.

3.5 Solidarity Members

When an Individual Member exceeds the maximum age threshold for Individual Membership, they shall automatically become a Solidarity Member (Alumni), unless another category is lawfully created. Solidarity Members may continue to participate in REI activities, networks, and communities as permitted, but shall not retain voting rights unless expressly provided otherwise.

Solidarity Members:

  • do not have voting rights in REI elections, referendum or ballots unless expressly provided otherwise;
  • may not stand as delegates to the International Council;
  • may continue to participate in such Communities of Practice, Regional Networks, City Groups, events and activities where no youth restrictions are in place as REI permits.

3.6 Life membership

REI may bestow life membership in recognition of exceptional contribution to the movement, in accordance with a process approved by REI. Unless expressly stated otherwise, life membership does not override the normal voting eligibility rules.

3.7 University Groups

University Groups are affiliated groups based at tertiary or higher education institutions.

A University Group must:

  • have at least three Individual Members;
  • be majority composed of students, including PhD students where applicable;
  • agree to REI’s vision, purpose and values; and
  • complete the affiliation process.

University Groups:

  • have proposal power;
  • do not have voting power as groups;
  • may submit motions or resolutions to their Council and, where permitted, to the IMC;
  • are encouraged to affiliate to a Council where one exists for their constituency;
  • funding opportunities will be made available.

University Groups may be asked to contribute 0.5% of income annually, subject to waiver where they complete any required annual survey or reporting process within the relevant timeframe. 

Where a University Group chooses not to, or is not able to, affiliate to a Council, the Individual Members associated with that group shall instead participate in the Rest of the World constituency and vote for the Rest of the World delegate to the International Members’ Council.

Where this arrangement is considered unsatisfactory by affected groups or members, University Groups in that geography are encouraged to work together to form or apply for recognition as a Council in order to secure more direct representation.

3.8 Regional Networks

Regional Networks are geographically defined organisations, networks or collectives advancing the mission of Rethinking Economics International within a defined regional, national or state boundary but which have not been granted Council status.

Regional Networks:

  • may affiliate to Rethinking Economics International;
  • are given access to events, the Annual General Meeting, online resources, training and other forms of support provided by REI;
  • do not have proposal power unless they are recognised as a Council;
  • are expected to support and organise University Groups within their geographic focus;
  • funding opportunities will be made available.

Rethinking Economics International reserves the right to reallocate responsibility for supporting University Groups where this is necessary for the overall cohesiveness of the network structure or where another group holds a clearer mandate in the region.

Regional Networks are encouraged to organise their own internal membership and governance structures on the basis of clearly defined mandates.

This ensures that Regional Networks have representation, through their council, within the International Members’ Council and access to the democratic processes established under these Standing Orders.

Regional Networks that are incorporated entities and hold grants or other funds will be asked to contribute 0.5% of their annual income to Rethinking Economics International. Where appropriate, and depending on the magnitude of the contribution, REI may allocate a designated portion of membership income generated within that geography back to the Regional Network in recognition of its role in mobilising and supporting membership.

3.9 Councils

Councils are recognised representative structures within Rethinking Economics International and form the constituencies represented on the International Members’ Council. They are geographically defined organisations, networks or collectives advancing the mission of Rethinking Economics International within a defined regional, national or state boundary but which have been granted Council status.

In many cases, Councils are expected to be equivalent to Regional or National networks. They are ones which have been confirmed to have a coordinating role for other groups in their region, have democratic structures for those groups to make resolutions to and have a clear constituency boundary. University groups without a Regional or National network can form a Council by following the guidance in this document but it is generally expected that Regional or National networks will be the leading organisation to transition to become a Council.

The creation of Councils is intended to:

  • grant voting and proposal rights within REI;
  • support the adoption and implementation of REI’s strategy;
  • strengthen coordination across groups within a given geography; and
  • prevent competing networks within the same geography from contesting representation.

The process of forming Councils will clarify which groups see themselves as part of one geographic network and which organisation is leading that group, ensuring that democratic representation is true and accountable.

3.9.1 Purpose and Role of Councils

Becoming a Council carries responsibilities to:

  • uphold the democratic norms of the REI governance structure;
  • represent the interests of the groups and members within their constituency; and
  • ensure that affiliated groups and other constituencies, including Individual Members, have meaningful opportunities to contribute to decision-making.

The purpose of a Council is to coordinate and direct the development of the movement within its constituency in support of REI’s mission to build a movement of young people organising, educating and agitating for an economics that works for all.

Each Council must:

  • operate democratically and in line with the values of Rethinking Economics;
  • maintain a governing body that makes decisions using transparent and established democratic methods;
  • ensure that at least 50% of its decision-making body are Individual Members under the age of 35 at the start of their terms;
  • respond to resolutions submitted by affiliated University Groups;
  • elect one delegate to the International Members’ Council; and
  • be able to submit resolutions to the International Members’ Council.

Councils must accept and consider resolutions submitted by University Groups within their constituency.

3.9.2 Requirements to Become a Council

Representation in a Council must follow the rule of three.

Each Council must represent:

  • a minimum of three affiliated groups, and
  • at least two of those groups must be fully functioning University Groups.

Examples of valid combinations include:

  • Two University Groups and one Regional Network;
  • three University Groups; or
  • two University Groups and one City Group.

These combinations represent the minimum constituency requirement required to obtain representation on the International Members’ Council.

Where a Regional Network is the lead applicant and becomes the principal decision-making authority, the Regional Network and the Council shall be treated as a single entity for governance purposes.

Affiliate groups within a Council shall be defined either:

  • by geographical focus; or
  • by the mandate of the Regional Network or organising body forming the Council.

Councils may be formed at different geographic levels, including national, regional or state level, by members and affiliated groups.

Recognition of Council status shall take place through an application process administered by Rethinking Economics International, with criteria established by the organisation. In determining whether to grant Council status, REI shall consider not only the formal number and type of affiliated groups, but also whether those groups are active in practice. Indicators of activity may include recent organising, meetings, events, communications, campaigns, or other demonstrable participation.

3.9.3 Geographical Remit of Councils

Regional Networks applying for Council status may maintain their existing geographic focus or adjust their scope in consultation with the REI Staff Team.

When Council status is granted, the International Members’ Council shall assign a constituency based on:

  • the geographic location of affiliated groups; and
  • the potential effect on other Councils or member-groups in the region.

Councils may consist of combinations of:

  • Regional Networks,
  • University Groups, and
  • other affiliated groups.

Where there are fewer groups in a region, REI may encourage broader constituencies in order to ensure representation across under-served areas. The International Members’ Council may reallocate groups between Councils where necessary to ensure the cohesiveness of the network structure and to reflect the mandates of existing Councils. Where disputes arise regarding constituency boundaries or representation, the Trustee Board shall make the decision, in consultation with the REI Staff Team in the first instance. Members can challenge these decisions as per 9.5. During the pilot phase of the governance structure, the Staff Team and Trustee Board may facilitate the initial establishment of Council boundaries where necessary for operational transition. However:

  • any such intervention must be transparent and accompanied by written reasons;
  • affected groups and members must be consulted in advance where reasonably practicable;
  • any provisional boundaries shall be subject to democratic review after the pilot phase; and
  • boundary-setting powers shall not be exercised in a way that overrides legitimate member preference without clear constitutional justification.

3.9.4 Support and Contributions

Councils are given access to:

  • REI events;
  • the Annual General Meeting;
  • online resources;
  • training programmes;
  • funding opportunities; and
  • other forms of organisational support.

Where Councils are incorporated entities and hold grants or other funds, they will be required to contribute 0.5% of their annual income as dues to Rethinking Economics International.

3.9.5 Network Development

Rethinking Economics International aims to support Regional Networks in developing the organisational capacity required to become Councils. The Council structure is intended to encourage stronger coordination and collaboration between groups within a constituency. In some cases, an established Regional Network may temporarily represent a broader geographic constituency until sufficient capacity exists for additional Councils to emerge.

3.10 Communities of Practice

A Community of Practice is a collection of members and solidarity members, if permitted by the facilitators, who educate and agitate around a particular interest, learning topic, theme, sector or campaign. They are intended to be self-organised and rooted in self-education, information sharing and mobilising for campaigns.

A Community of Practice may be established by at least three eligible members.

Communities of Practice:

  • do not have voting power;
  • do not have proposal power unless expressly granted by REI;
  • may include Solidarity Members in accordance with their rules;
  • shall normally be limited to 300 members, after which subdivision may be required.

3.11 City Groups

A City Group is a collection of Individual Members of REI based in a single city who organise together for local participation, discussion, and action in furtherance of REI’s mission. 

A City Group may be established by at least three eligible Individual Members in a single city.

City Groups:

  • do not have voting power unless expressly granted;
  • may operate as experimental organising structures subject to review;
  • may be supported through arrangements set by the Staff Team and relevant Council structures;
  • funding opportunities will be made available.

3.12 Affiliation process

Groups seeking affiliation shall:

  • indicate their interest through the REI membership process;
  • identify a core organising team;
  • complete the relevant affiliation form; and
  • agree to REI’s values, vision and purpose.

Additional requirements may be set for different categories of affiliation.

3.13 Expectations of affiliated groups

Affiliated groups are expected to:

  • maintain reasonable communication with REI;
  • participate in relevant network processes where able;
  • complete required annual surveys or check-ins;
  • comply with REI’s values, policies and codes of conduct.

3.14 Removal from affiliation or group membership

A group or structure may be suspended or removed where it:

  • becomes inactive;
  • fails to meet the requirements of its category;
  • acts contrary to REI’s values, purpose, policies or code of conduct;
  • fails to engage with required reporting or review processes.

Before removal or suspension, REI shall normally:

  • notify the relevant member or group of the concern;
  • provide an opportunity to respond;
  • allow a reasonable period for remedy unless immediate action is required for safeguarding, legal or serious reputational reasons.
4. Rethinking Economics International Annual General Meeting and General Meetings

4.1 Purpose

REI shall hold at least one general meeting each year, called the Annual General Meeting. This is where the annual report and accounts are presented and where the members of the CIO exercise their constitutional powers.

The AGM shall also provide an opportunity for the wider membership to hold the International Members’ Council, Trustee Board and Staff Team to account.

4.2 Frequency

The AGM shall be held once each year.

Other General Meetings may be held whenever necessary in accordance with the Constitution and the Standing Orders.

4.3 Persons entitled to be present

The persons entitled to attend, speak and vote at General Meetings shall be those entitled under the Constitution and these Standing Orders.

For the purposes of these Standing Orders, the voting members at General Meetings shall be the delegates constituting the International Members’ Council.

Members and Solidarity Members may attend and speak at General Meetings.

Trustees may attend and speak at General Meetings whether or not they are members.

Other persons may be admitted on the invitation of the chair or in accordance with these Standing Orders, but shall not carry voting rights unless entitled to do so.

4.4 Quorum

The quorum for General Meetings shall be as set out in the Constitution.

4.5 Submitting resolutions

Resolutions for General Meetings may be proposed by:

  • the International Members’ Council;
  • Councils;
  • University Groups;
  • any other body or number of members entitled to do so under the Constitution.

A resolution may only properly be proposed if it:

  • furthers the aims of the organisation;
  • is financially viable or reasonably capable of being implemented;
  • is lawful; and
  • is not defamatory, frivolous or vexatious.

If a resolution is considered not to meet these standards, the Trustees may remove it from the agenda in accordance with the Constitution, but only after seeking clarification from the proposer and allowing a reasonable opportunity for amendment.

4.6 Discussion process

The preferred decision-making culture at the AGM shall be consent-seeking wherever reasonably possible.

The chair shall normally allow:

  • introduction of the resolution by the proposer;
  • points of information;
  • discussion, including concerns and responses;
  • amendments where appropriate;
  • a vote where necessary.

4.7 Voting

Voting at General Meetings shall take place in accordance with the Constitution.

For the purposes of implementation under these Standing Orders, each delegate of the International Members’ Council shall have one vote as a member of the CIO.

4.8 Agenda

The agenda should normally be circulated at least two weeks before the meeting.

4.9 Minutes

A minute-taker shall be appointed for the AGM.

Minutes shall comply with the requirements of charity law and the Constitution.

5. International Members’ Council

5.1 Status

The International Members’ Council is the political and strategic representative body of REI and, for the purposes of these Standing Orders, the body constituting the membership of the CIO.

It exists to provide democratic direction, ensure accountability to the movement, and help define REI’s strategy internationally.

5.2 Composition

The International Members’ Council shall consist of one delegate from each recognised Council and any additional delegates created by these Standing Orders.The REI Staff Team is responsible for keeping all records relating to the International Members’ Council up to date.

In addition to delegates representing recognised Councils, the International Members’ Council shall include three (3) delegates elected directly by the Individual Members of Rethinking Economics International.

These delegates shall:

  • be elected through a global ballot of all eligible Individual Members;
  • represent Individual Members directly, independent of Council or group structures;
  • hold equal voting rights and responsibilities as other delegates within the International Members’ Council.

The addition of directly elected Individual Member delegates to the International Members’ Council shall not affect or replace the representation of Councils established under section 3.9.2. The rule of three and all requirements for Council recognition shall remain unchanged.

5.3 Responsibilities

The International Members’ Council shall:

  • represent the interests of REI’s member constituencies;
  • exercise the functions assigned to the Members’ Council under the Constitution, as applied through these Standing Orders;
  • help define and review REI’s strategy and theory of change;
  • consider and decide motions and resolutions brought to it;
  • oversee the prioritisation of membership income, subject to the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of the Trustee Board;
  • make decisions on affiliated groups, Council recognition and constituency matters within its remit;
  • hold the Staff Team politically accountable for the implementation of member-led decisions.

5.4 Meetings

The International Members’ Council shall meet regularly, and prior to General Meetings to agree the Agenda, motions or use of any referenda and preferenda.

Meetings should normally be held online unless otherwise agreed.

The agenda should normally be circulated at least two weeks in advance.

5.5 Decision-making

The International Members’ Council should seek to make decisions by consent wherever reasonably possible.

Where consent cannot be reached, a simple majority vote shall suffice unless a higher threshold is specified in the Constitution or elsewhere in these Standing Orders.

5.6 Performance and conduct

Delegates shall observe high standards of ethical conduct and are expected to perform their REI duties to the best of their ability.

Delegates shall:

  • treat others within REI and the wider Network with integrity and respect;
  • comply with REI’s code of conduct;
  • declare conflicts of interest and recuse themselves where appropriate;
  • avoid using their position for improper personal benefit or the benefit of their own group without proper disclosure.

5.7 Attendance

Delegates are expected to attend International Members’ Council meetings and the meetings of any committees or working groups of which they are members.

If a delegate cannot attend a meeting, they should notify the relevant chair or secretariat in advance where possible.

5.8 Evaluation

REI may establish processes for the periodic evaluation of delegates’ performance and participation.

5.9 Vacancy or removal

A delegate’s position may become vacant through:

  • resignation;
  • expiry of term;
  • loss of eligibility;
  • successful recall
  • serious misconduct;
  • persistent non-attendance without sufficient explanation.

Where removal is proposed for reasons other than recall, the delegate must be:

  • informed of the reasons;
  • given at least 21 clear days to make representations;
  • given an opportunity for those representations to be considered by the relevant decision-making body.

Where the delegate is also acting as a legal member of the CIO, the process must remain consistent with the Constitution.

6. Election of International Members’ Council delegates

6.1 Application

These rules apply to elections for delegates to the International Members’ Council, unless superseded by a lawful election policy adopted by REI.

6.2 Elections Officer

An Elections Officer from the membership of Trustee Board shall be appointed to oversee the administration and fairness of elections.

The Elections Officer shall:

  • interpret election rules;
  • appoint any necessary election officials;
  • oversee nominations, balloting and counting;
  • publish results;
  • issue rulings and guidance;
  • resolve complaints in accordance with the election rules.

A Deputy Elections Officer may be appointed.

6.3 Election timetable

For each election, the Elections Officer shall publish a timetable including:

  • nominations;
  • publication of accepted nominations;
  • objections to eligibility;
  • manifestos;
  • any hustings or question time;
  • voting;
  • count and declaration.

6.4 Eligibility

A candidate must:

  • be an eligible Individual Member;
  • be a paying member where required by the rules;
  • fall within the relevant constituency;
  • receive the required nominations.

6.5 Nominations

A prospective candidate must be nominated by at least two members of the relevant Council decision-making body, unless transitional arrangements provide otherwise. Members can nominate multiple candidates.

The Elections Officer shall determine whether a nomination is valid.

6.6 Voting

The electorate for each delegate election shall be the Individual Members in the relevant constituency.

Each eligible Individual Member shall have one vote.Unless and until otherwise determined, delegate elections shall use the Borda count method and be conducted by secret ballot, ordinarily online.

6.7 Declaration

Results shall be declared in an appropriate manner after the count is complete.

A list of successful candidates should be made available within one week where practicable.

6.8 Term limits

Delegates may stand for re-election provided they remain eligible.

Term limits are three years.

6.9 Recall

A constituency may initiate a recall of its delegate where:

  • a petition is signed by at least 15% of Individual Members in that constituency; and
  • a vote of no confidence is then held.

If a simple majority votes for removal, the delegate shall be removed and a by-election held. The removed delegate may not stand in that by-election.

7. Rethinking Economics International Trustee Board and Staff team

7.1 Status

The Trustee Board is legally responsible for Rethinking Economics International and manages the affairs of the organisation in accordance with the Constitution and UK law.

7.2 Relationship with the International Members’ Council

The Trustee Board and the International Members’ Council have distinct functions.

The International Members’ Council leads on political and strategic representation within its remit and exercises the membership functions assigned to the Members’ Council under the Constitution, as applied by these Standing Orders.

The Trustee Board leads on legal, fiduciary and constitutional responsibilities.

Each body shall seek to work constructively with the other.

7.3 Recruitment process

The Trustee Board shall define the purpose and scope of trustee recruitment.

The Staff Team may support the administration of trustee recruitment.

The wider Network may be invited to submit candidates or expressions of interest.

The International Members’ Council may be given opportunities to raise concerns or provide feedback in trustee recruitment processes, consistent with the Constitution.

The Trustee Board must seek to be a majority of Individual Members at any one time and should consider this in all recruitment decisions.

7.4 Role of the Staff Team

The Staff Team exists to support, administer, and implement the mission and democratic decisions of REI within the limits of employment law, charity law, and the Constitution. The Trustee Board must oversee the Finances, Risk, Auditing and Compliance of the Staff Team’s activities and management of the organisation. The Staff Team must act in line with resolutions passed by the International Members Council or referenda and preferenda by the members.

The Staff Team shall:

  • act transparently in relation to governance processes;
  • support participation by members and affiliated groups;
  • respect the labour and democratic role of unpaid member organisers; and
  • not substitute administrative discretion for political decision making where member-led or Council-led processes are required.
8. Transitional and interpretive provisions

8.1 General principle

These Standing Orders are intended to implement the new membership and governance model through the constitutional framework currently in force.

8.2 Members’ Council and International Members’ Council

For the purposes of these Standing Orders, the body called the International Members’ Council shall be the body referred to in the Constitution as the Members’ Council.

Accordingly:

  • delegates to the International Members’ Council shall be treated as the members of the CIO for the purposes of REI governance under these Standing Orders;
  • references in existing REI governance documents to the Members’ Council shall be read, where appropriate, as references to the International Members’ Council;
  • references to Council Officers shall be read, where appropriate, as references to delegates.

8.3 Reading old terms in light of new structures

On adoption of these Standing Orders, references in older policies or internal documents may be interpreted as follows where appropriate:

  • Members’ Council → International Members’ Council;
  • Council Officers → delegates;
  • Local Groups → University Groups where relevant;
  • National Networks / Regional Networks → Regional Networks or Councils, depending on status.

8.4 Interim arrangements

REI may adopt interim arrangements for the first year or transition period of the International Members’ Council, including nomination-based appointments before full constituency elections are operational, provided these arrangements are clearly published.

8.5 Review

These Standing Orders should be reviewed after the initial implementation period to ensure that:

  • the governance model is functioning effectively;
  • ambiguities are resolved;
  • any necessary constitutional alignment is identified.
9. Referendums and Preferendums

9.1 Calling a referendum or preferendum

A referendum or preferendum of Individual Members may be requested by a motion of the International Members’ Council (IMC). Where a majority of the IMC supports holding a referendum or preferendum, the proposal must be submitted to the Trustee Board for approval before it may be circulated to Individual Members. The Trustee Board shall ensure that the proposed referendum or preferendum is consistent with the Constitution, applicable law, and the proper administration of the organisation.

A referendum on a particular issue can be requested by a petition which has 10% of the membership’s signatures. If the issue can reasonably be suggested to only affect a specific constituency of members then they will only require 10% of members from that constituency to sign the petition.

9.2 Campaigning

Members may campaign in relation to a referendum or preferendum, provided that all campaigning activity complies with the Rethinking Economics Code of Conduct and any election guidance issued by the organisation.

9.3 Referendum voting

A referendum shall be decided by simple majority of the votes cast.

9.4 Preferendum voting

Where the question involves choosing between multiple options, the IMC may call a preferendum.

In a preferendum, voters shall rank the available options in order of preference, and the outcome shall be determined according to the voting method specified by REI for preferential ballots.

9.5 Referendums relating to constituency boundaries

Where a referendum concerns a constituency change, including but not limited to the creation, division, merger or redefinition of Councils or constituencies:

  • the motion shall be drafted by the REI Staff Team;
  • the motion must be approved by the Trustee Board before being circulated to members; and
  • the referendum shall be conducted only among the Individual Members within the affected constituency.

For example, where members in a specific geography seek to establish a separate constituency or Council, only members located within that geography shall vote on the proposal.

9.6 Implementation

The IMC, Staff Team and Trustee Board shall work together to ensure that the procedures for conducting referendums and preferendums are transparent, fair and consistent with REI’s governance framework.