Clean Energy Leeds Membership Rules

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Clean Energy Leeds (CEL) is a Community Benefit Society (CBS) registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It exists to develop and manage clean energy projects for the benefit of the Leeds community.

These membership rules set out who can join CEL, how membership works, and what rights and responsibilities members have.

 Membership is open to anyone who supports the aims of CEL. This includes:

• Individuals aged 16 or over

• Community groups, charities, and voluntary organisations based in or around Leeds

• Small businesses and social enterprises with a genuine community connection

• Other community benefit societies or co-operatives, at the board’s discretion

To join CEL, a person or organisation must:

• Complete a membership application form, available online

•  Subscribe for at least one share at the minimum value of £1

•  Pay for the share in full

•  Be accepted by the CEL board

Membership takes effect from the date the board approves the application and membership fees have been paid.

Each member of CEL has the following rights:

•One vote per member

•Attend annual general meetings

•Elect the board

 As a member of CEL, you agree to:

• Uphold the values and aims of CEL

• Treat other members, staff, and stakeholders with respect

• Keep your contact details up to date with CEL

• Pay any outstanding share subscriptions when due, if applicable

• Act in the best interests of the wider community, not just yourself

6.1 Minimum and Maximum

Each member must hold at least one share. The minimum share value is £1. 

6.2 Shares Are Not Transferable

CEL shares cannot be sold or transferred to another person. 

  Membership shares are not a financial investment in the traditional sense. Members should not expect to profit from holding shares. They are non-refundable.

A member may resign from CEL at any time by giving written notice to the board. On resignation:

• The member loses all voting rights and access to member benefits

• Any unpaid share subscriptions remain due

In serious cases, the board may suspend or expel a member if they:

• Act in a way that is harmful to CEL or the community it serves

• Breach these membership rules repeatedly or seriously

• Bring CEL into disrepute

Before expelling a member the board must:

• Give the member written notice of the proposed expulsion and the reasons

• Allow the member at least 14 days to respond in writing

• Consider the member’s response before making a final decision

A member who is expelled may appeal to a general meeting of CEL members. The board must arrange this within 28 days of receiving a written appeal.

CEL is an asset-locked organisation. This means:

• CEL’s assets cannot be distributed to members for personal gain

• If CEL ever winds up, any remaining assets must be transferred to another asset-locked organisation with similar aims

• Members will only ever receive the face value of their shares on withdrawal or winding up

This rule protects the community benefit purpose of CEL and is a core condition of CBS registration.

CEL will hold personal information about members to:

• Maintain the membership register (required by law)

• Send notices of meetings and other communications

CEL will not share your personal data with third parties without your consent, except where required by law. Members have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of their data in line with UK data protection law.

These rules may only be changed by a vote of members at a general meeting. Any proposed changes must be:

• Circulated to all members at least 14 days before the meeting

• Approved by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting

Any rule changes that affect the asset lock or the community benefit purpose of CEL must also be approved by the FCA.