QCEA Structure

The Council

QCEA is established as a non-profit association under Belgian Law (association international sans but lucratif: moniteur belge no. 11 732/80) and governed by Belgian Law. Its ultimate decision-making body is the General Assembly. The General Assembly is principally responsible for overseeing the sound financial management of the organisation. All Council Members and a small number of founding members of QCEA make up the General Assembly.

Most of the work of establishing policy, reviewing the work programme and monitoring progress is done by the Council. This is composed of:

  • Office holders: the Clerk, the Assistant Clerk, and the Treasurer
  • Representative Members of Quaker organisations in 12 European countries
  • Members of Bureau

The list of Council Members is published annually in our Annual Reports.

QCEA is supported by three support groups:

  • The QCEA British Committee is a charitable organisation registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales (Registered Charity Number 293776). It works to raise awareness and understanding among British Quakers about the work of QCEA, and thus encourages them to support it. British Committee also receives financial contributions from British Quakers and some UK based charitable trusts for QCEA and assists QCEA with managing transactions in pounds sterling.  QCEA British Committee is represented on the Council and the General Assembly.
  • “Vrienden voor Brussel” (VVQREA) is a charitable organisation with the aim of raising funds for QCEA and promoting its work. Established in 1981 as a “vereniging” under Dutch law (KvK No. 40410466), it acquired so-called “ANBI” status in 2008, which makes donations through VVQREA tax-deductible. It works to raise awareness, understanding and support among Dutch Quakers for the work of QCEA. VVQREA receives financial contributions from Dutch Quakers and manages several legacies on behalf of QCEA. VVQREA is represented on the Council and the General Assembly.
  • A group of Quakers in Germany and Austria supports QCEA by translating publications (mainly articles from our monthly newsletter Around Europe) into German. This support group does not have separate representation on the General Assembly and Council. This in no way detracts from their significant contribution to our work.

The Council has three Committees:

  • The Bureau is the executive committee that deals with staff management and acts for the Council between the biannual Council meetings if necessary;
  • The Finance Committee ensures sound financial management.
  • The Nominations Committee brings forward names of Quakers to serve on the Council, on Bureau, on Finance Committee and on any other ad hoc groups required to support the work of QCEA. Nominations Committee itself is appointed on the recommendation of a nominations group composed of members of Council as and when required.