Our New Operating Structure
We're pleased to share the final details of MEA's new operating structure. This update builds on the feedback provided during an internal consultation period and reflects our commitment to creating a sustainable, effective organisation that can deliver on our mission.
How we got here
After the December 2024 AGM, the Board commissioned an independent governance review to assess how well our structure, leadership, and ways of working support our mission. The review also identified what was required to ensure long-term sustainability, accountability, and organisational clarity.
The journey so far
Stage 1 (Autumn 2025): We shared the review's key findings, which highlighted the need to clarify strategy, review Board recruitment, implement leadership structure, and enhance operational planning and reporting.
Stage 2 (December 2025): We proposed a new structure organised into 5 strategic divisions, designed to address the review's recommendations and align with our core functions. We also emphasized the importance of fundraising and income generation.
Stage 3 (January 2026): Following the January 2026 AGM we announced progress on Governance recommendations relating to medium- to long-term actions, including:
- Reserves
- Trustee recruitment, tenure, and review processes
- Associate trusteeship
A Consultation period on the new structure organised into 5 strategic divisions took place between December 8th and January 19th.
Our new structure
- The previous 5-division structure has been revised
- We've created a smaller, more focused leadership team with clear responsibilities
- Line management and reporting structures are now clearer
The updated structure is strategically driven, with clear action plans and measurable goals (KPIs) that each department head will create. This structure recognizes our financial realities and the critical importance of fundraising and income generation.
Two Directors
We now have two Directors who will lead the organization:
- Director of Income Generation (including Membership) – Jim Morrison
- Director of Finance & Operations (including HR) – Vicky Smith
What the Directors Do:
- Agree the annual budget and allocate it to Department Heads
- Present the annual fundraising plan, fundraising targets, and how these will support (and require support from) each department
- Approve the overall Strategic Business Plan
- Submit Budgets and Strategic Business Plan to the Board of Trustees for approval
Three Department Heads
Our existing Department Heads will continue in their roles:
- Support (ME Connect) – Katharine Leat
- Educate and Influence (Health & Social Care) – Karren Winters-Cavalot
- Communications – Emma Jefferies
Research
The Research Mananger will co-ordinate the activities of and report directly to the Research Committee (which reports to the Board of Trustees). This maintains the independence and integrity of our research function.
Over the coming months:
- There will be a transition period of 3-4 months as we work together to transfer line management and other responsibilities between Trustees and the new Executive team
- Department Heads will create their budgeted strategic action plans with SMART KPIs
- These plans will be shared and coordinated across departments
- Plans will be merged into our overall Strategic Business Plan
- The Directors will approve the plan, which will then be signed off by Trustees
- We'll begin implementing our plans with clear budgets and accountability
- We will review the new structure at regular intervals and formally assess after 12 months
Thank you
This structure reflects both the feedback the community provided during the Governance Review consultation and internal feedback and sets us up for sustainable, strategic delivery of our mission. We appreciate your patience and engagement throughout this process.
Together, we'll build a stronger MEA
More Information:
- ME Association Post AGM Statement 2024 | December 9, 2024
- The ME Association – Governance Review: Stage 1 Announcement Autumn 2025 | October 6, 2025
- The ME Association – Governance Review Update and Divisional Structure proposal – Stage 2 Announcement Winter 2025 | December 8, 2025
- The ME Association – Post AGM Statement 2026 | January 12, 2026