Proposed Constitution changes aim to strengthen ADEA and keep 'members at the heart of our work'

Modernising ADEA's governance framework, strengthening its independence, enabling greater collaboration across the diabetes sector and supporting the organisation's growth are key drivers of the proposed changes to ADEA's Constitution.

Those intended benefits were explored on 29 October at the first of two webinars about the proposed changes.

One of the main topics discussed during the first webinar was the proposed removal of constitutional provisions linked to ADEA's former unification arrangements with Diabetes Australia, following Diabetes Australia's adoption of a new Constitution earlier this year.

In response to a member question about the implications for collaboration, ADEA President Ann Bush said the proposed changes would not affect ADEA's strong working relationship with Diabetes Australia or its commitment to working with organisations across the sector.

"We continue to work with Diabetes Australia probably just as much as we were previously,” Ms Bush said.

"Diabetes Australia supports ADEA as well, so we're very thankful for the support they provide.

"That hasn't changed with the end of the unification."

Ms Bush said the proposed changes would enable ADEA to build partnerships across the broader diabetes sector while continuing to advocate strongly for members and people living with diabetes.

"We're going to be able to stand more on our own feet and advocate for our members and people living with diabetes," Ms Bush said.

ADEA Vice President Dr Shannon Lin said that formal board representation was only one way organisations work together and highlighted opportunities for collaboration through other means, including strategic partnerships, joint advocacy and research initiatives.

Dr Lin said the proposed changes aimed to give ADEA a clearer, more modernised and more legally sound governance foundation for how it operates in the next five to 10 years.

"Members are still at the heart of our work and we're still the national voice for the diabetes education workforce," she said.

ADEA CEO Melanie Gray Morris reaffirmed ADEA's commitment to working closely with organisations across the sector, noting ongoing efforts to reduce silos and strengthen collaboration in support of people living with diabetes.

In addition to the removal of legacy unification provisions, ADEA Governance Committee Chair Ruth Feltoe said other key areas of the proposed Constitution changes included clearer membership categories, member rights and obligations, updated dispute resolution processes, and modernised meeting procedures.

This includes a proposal to reduce the quorum required for general meetings to 25 full members or 10% of full members, whichever is lower.

Ms Feltoe said the change would align ADEA with comparable not-for-profit organisations, encourage member engagement and help ensure meetings can proceed and decisions can be made even when some members are unable to attend.

Ms Feltoe said the review of the Constitution was an opportunity to take a holistic look at it and ensure it remains fit for purpose into the future.

A second webinar will be held at 11.00 am AEDT on 11 November, providing members with another opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes and ask questions ahead of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The webinar will start with a one-minute silence to mark Remembrance Day and remember the service and sacrifice of those who have served Australia in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Members can also submit questions ahead of the webinars by emailing agm@adea.com.au.

Members will be asked to consider and vote on the proposed constitutional amendments at the ADEA AGM on 28 November.