Governance and Decision-Making Structure

Tangram Housing Co-op is a member-led organisation made up of approximately 40–50 tenant members. Its governance is based on democratic participation, with decisions made collectively through elected committees and general meetings.

Below is more information on the structure of the organisation, how decisions are made and how your money is spent.

For further detail, members should refer to Tangram’s Code of Governance, which sets out the principles and rules guiding how the co-op operates.

  • Management Committee (MC)

    Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the co-op.

    Composed of 7–15 members

    Members are:

    - Elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) (held in May or June), or

    - Co-opted by the committee if necessary

    - Meets fortnightly

    Responsibilities include:

    - Supervising the two staff members

    - Overseeing operational matters

    - Ensuring the smooth running of the co-op

  • General Meetings (GM)

    General Meetings are the main decision-making forum for the co-op.

    Open to all tenant members

    Require a quorum of one-third of the membership

    Held approximately four or more times per year

    Responsibilities include:

    - Agreeing co-op policies

    - Approving budgets

    - Making decisions on admissions and allocations

    -Authorising significant expenditure

  • Sub-Committees

    Sub-committees focus on specific areas of the co-op’s work and report back to the Management Committee.

    All members are encouraged to participate in any group.

    Current groups include:

    Maintenance Group - Meets fortnightly, oversees repairs and upkeep

    Treasury Group - Meets monthly, manages financial matters

    Admissions and Allocations Group - Meets fortnightly, handles new member applications and housing allocations

    Complaints and Mediation Group - Meets as needed, deals with disputes and conflict resolution

    Secretary Group - Meets as needed, supports administration and governance processes

    Communal Garden Group - Meets as needed, oversees shared outdoor spaces

  • Member Participation

    All members are welcome to:

    - Attend Management Committee and group meetings

    - Join sub-committees

    - Stand for election to the Management Committee

    - Contribute ideas and suggestions

    Confidentiality
    Some discussions (e.g. housing need, rent arrears, or allocations) require confidentiality. Non-group members may be asked to leave during these parts of meetings.

  • Staff Roles

    The co-op employs two staff members who support its operations:

    Christina MacDonald – Building Works Coordinator

    Lotte Shaw – Freelance Finance Worker