New Branch Policy - bovf.org.uk

New Branch Policy Document

As you continue to grow and strengthen your BOVF branch, keep in mind a few key principles that can guide you toward long-term success.

You will find lots of Branch resources on the BOVF website HERE

Why Branches?

The BOVF was founded by those who are passionate about democracy. We believe that our engagement in different areas will need to reflect the needs of the local community. Activism within the BOVF is facilitated by country branches overseen by Country Coordinators and, in some cases, or where appropriate or where geography dictates, more than one local branch within a country.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Firstly, ensure that there is no local branch registered with BOVF. You can find a list of branches on the BOVF website HERE

Ensure that that you have at least two BOVF Supporters or Members willing to serve as Branch Officers: Chair and Secretary. These individuals must be committed to fulfilling the responsibilities associated with their respective roles.

Step 2: Familiarize with BOVF Structure

Understand the BOVF’s four-tier structure, which includes Directors, Members, Key Supporters (activists), and Supporters. Recognize the roles and responsibilities of each tier within the organization.

Directors

The organisation’s directors make up the Board and are responsible for developing and approving Strategic plans, Policies, and Procedures, developing the central BOVS Information Hub, and conducting Collective campaigning activities to help reach our organisational goals.

Members

Members represent the backbone of the BOVF. The Board listens to Members when setting strategic plans and works closely with members to write and agree tactical procedures for use by Local Branches. Local branch Officers will liaise with other local Members, Key Supporters (activists) and local Supporters are free to develop local Operational plans. to contribute to fulfilling the Organisational Strategic goals.

Key Supporters (activists)

Key Supporters work individually and together to fulfil the goals of the Local Branch.

Supporters

Most British overseas citizens agree with and support the BOVF, maybe even contributing to the work by sharing their story, but they do not have the time actually to help do the work that needs to be done. The crucial function supporters provide is the mandate they provide the organisation, enabling it to be ‘representative’ when we communicate with elected officials or engage in campaigning or lobbying functions.

Step 3: Branch Officers – Assign Roles and Responsibilities

It takes a minimum of two Branch Officers to register a new branch. Select individuals to serve in the following roles:

Chair: Responsible for leading meetings, overseeing branch activities, and representing the branch to the central BOVF organization.
Secretary: Responsible for managing branch correspondence, maintaining records, and organizing meetings.

Each officer role has a clear role description.

In addition to the two main officers, the following officers are useful to help make the local branch more effective:

Local Event Coordinator
Social Media Activist

You can find detailed role descriptions of all branch officers on the BOVF website HERE

Step 4: Complete Branch Registration

Register your branch with the BOVF using the online registration form available on the organization’s website. Provide basic information about each Branch Officer using the Local Branch Officer Registration Form.

You can find the branch registration form HERE

You will need to provide some basic information for each officer using the Local Branch Officer Registration Form. Subject to the location of the proposed Local branch, up to two directors of the BOVF may interview Branch officers via Zoom or in person.

Step 5: Access BOVF Information Hub

Upon registration, Branch Officers will gain access to relevant parts of the the BOVF Information Hub, which contains valuable resources to support local branch Members and Supporters. Familiarize yourself with the available resources to better serve your community.

Step 6: Establish Communication Channels

Create a WhatsApp group for your local branch to facilitate communication among Members and Supporters. Use this platform to share updates, coordinate activities, and engage with the local expat community effectively.

Step 7: Define Branch Objectives

Clarify your branch’s objectives in alignment with the BOVF’s overarching goals. Determine how your branch can contribute to organizational growth, raise awareness among British Overseas Citizens, and address Key Issues identified by the organization. Consider how your branch might engage in local issues to make life better for British expats living in your area.

Step 8: Execute Branch Activities

Implement activities that support the objectives of the BOVF and your local branch.

Step 9: Collaborate with Central BOVF

Collaborate with the central BOVF organization by sharing resources, providing updates on branch activities, and participating in collective campaigning efforts. Engage with other branches around the world to exchange ideas, share best practices, and contribute to the development of the BOVF Information Hub.

Step 10: Adapt and Evolve

Continuously assess the effectiveness of your branch’s activities and adapt them as needed to better engage with local British Citizens. Stay informed about emerging issues and opportunities for advocacy, and adjust your approach accordingly to maximize impact.

By following these steps, you can successfully create a new branch of the British Overseas Voters Forum (BOVF) and contribute to the organization’s mission of representing the interests of British Citizens overseas.

We hope this page has been informative.

If you have any corrective or improvement suggestions, please email webmaster@bovf.org.uk