1. Introduction
The WA Social Enterprise Council ABN 52 677 076 229 (WASEC) is the peak body for social enterprises in Western Australia, dedicated to building a thriving social enterprise sector that contributes to a just, inclusive, and sustainable society.
All approved WASEC Social Enterprise Members become Members of the Company under the Constitution.
2. Purpose
This policy outlines the criteria, application process, benefits, and obligations associated with becoming a Member of WASEC. While, in this policy, references to ‘Members’ includes Social Enterprise Members and Associate Members, only organisations admitted as Social Enterprise Members become members under the Constitution with governance rights. The rights and responsibilities of Associate Members are only those contained in this policy as amended by the Board from time to time, and Associate Members do not have rights under the Constitution.
All matters regarding the rights and obligations of Members of the Company are set out in this policy and, in relation to Social Enterprise Members only, the Constitution.
3. Membership Categories
WASEC offers three membership types:
- Social Enterprise Membership: For organisations that operate as social enterprises, meeting specific criteria outlined below.
- Associate Membership (organisation): For organisations that support the social enterprise sector but do not operate as social enterprises.
- Associate Membership (individual): For individuals interested in supporting and engaging with the social enterprise community.
Note: All approved Social Enterprise Members become Ordinary Members of the Company under the constitution with the rights conferred on Members under the Constitution, including voting rights. Associate Members do not become voting Members of the Company. The rights and responsibilities of Associate Members are only those set out in this policy and the Company’s constitution does not apply to Associate Members, or create a contractual relationship between Associate Members and the Company.
4. Membership Criteria
WASEC’s membership criteria is informed by the sector and aligns with global social enterprise standards set by international verifier People Planet First (PPF), and is consistent with membership approval processes used by other Australian state and territory peak bodies.
WASEC, in partnership with PPF, acts as a co-approver but is not a verifier of social enterprises, with a focus on growing the Western Australian for-purpose community. However, similar guidelines have been adopted to align with national and international standards.
Social Enterprise Membership Criteria
To qualify as a Social Enterprise Member, an organisation must demonstrate alignment to:
- Purpose – exists to solve a social and/or environmental problem;
- Operations – prioritises purpose, people, and planet over profit in operational and strategic decisions;
- Revenue – has a self-sustaining revenue model;
- Use of surplus – reinvests the majority of any surplus towards its purpose; and
- Structure – chooses legal structures and financing that protect and lock in purpose long term; and
Associate Membership (organisational and individual) Criteria
Associate Membership is open to organisations or individuals who are not themselves social enterprises, but who support, collaborate with, buy from, invest in, or otherwise contribute to the growth of the social enterprise sector. It is also open to early stage social enterprises. This includes:
- Advocates and Champions
- Aspiring Social Enterprises- less than 12 months trading history and less than $5,000 in trading income
- Service Providers and Collaborators
- Purpose-Driven Organisations (e.g. charities, corporates, government agencies)
- Procurement Partners
- Funders and Investors
5. Application Process
The application process ensures all members align with WASEC’s purpose, values, and standards.
Completion of Application
Prospective members must complete the WASEC Membership Application Form and provide supporting information. Applicants must confirm that their activities align with WASEC’s values. The form must be signed and required fees paid at time of submission. If the application is not accepted, the fee will be refunded.
Acknowledgement of Membership Obligations
Applicants must agree to act in accordance with WASEC’s values and code of conduct and to pay annual membership fees as determined by WASEC. Applicants for Social Enterprise Membership must also confirm that, if the application is accepted, the organisation agrees to comply with the Constitution and pay the guarantee amount under the Constitution if required.
Both the Company and any person or organisation that applies to be admitted, or is admitted, as an Associate Member agrees that the rights and obligations of Associate Members are those set out in this policy as amended from time to time, and the Constitution does not apply to Associate Members. The Constitution does not create any contractual relationship between the Company and Associate Members.
Submission and Review
The WASEC team has delegated authority from WASEC’s board in accordance with the Constitution to assess eligibility and process applications on behalf of the Company. Assessment occurs on a rolling basis. Additional information may be requested.
Board Oversight
A summary of applications is provided to the Board. The Board reserves the right to make final determinations.
Record
The Company will retain a register of Social Enterprise Members and a register of Associate Members, containing details regarding all current Members and individuals or organisations that stopped being Members within the last seven years.
6. Membership Benefits
Membership benefits vary over time and the benefits listed below should only be taken as indication of the benefits that may be on offer.
Social Enterprise Members: Become Ordinary Members of the Company (voting rights and other rights conferred on Members under the Constitution) and enjoy benefits such as:
- Discounted tickets to WASEC events, conferences, and partner forums
- Capacity-building and training opportunities
- Regular e-newsletters with the latest updates
- Use of the WASEC logo on websites and publications, provided the logo is used in accordance with any Company policies and procedures
- Listing in the WASEC social enterprise directory
- Invitations to exclusive networking events
- Social media promotion and PR support
- Access to WASEC networks and online resources
- Invitations to working groups on key topics
- Advocacy support at local, state, and federal levels
Associate Members (organisation and individual): Do not become Members of the Company under the Constitution (no voting rights or other governance rights under the Constitution), however enjoy benefits such as:
- Discounted event tickets
- Monthly e-newsletters
- Networking event invitations
- Social media promotion
- Access to WASEC networks
- Participation in working groups
- Referrals to/from social enterprise members
7. Membership Obligations
Members are expected to uphold WASEC values, participate in activities, communicate respectfully, and adhere to ethical standards.
8. Membership Fees
Regardless of membership type (Associate or Social Enterprise), all members pay an annual or monthly fee, tiered according to organisational revenue (link here).
9. Membership Renewal and Termination
Ongoing Membership
Membership of WASEC is ongoing once approved, in accordance with the Constitution. Membership does not operate on a fixed term and does not require active renewal.
Membership is conditional on the payment of applicable membership fees, as determined by the Company from time to time.
Membership Fees and Cessation for Non-Payment
Members will be notified of their annual membership fee and the applicable due date.
If a membership fee is not paid by the due date, WASEC will provide written notice of the unpaid fee. Where the fee remains unpaid for more than 30 days after such notice is given, the Member’s membership may cease in accordance with the Constitution.
Termination of Membership by WASEC
WASEC may terminate a Member’s membership in accordance with the Constitution if the Member:
- fails to comply with the Constitution, policies, or codes of conduct of the Company;
- acts in a manner inconsistent with the objectives, values, or ethical standards of WASEC; or
- fails to pay membership fees as required.
Resignation by a Member
A Member may resign their membership at any time by providing written notice to WASEC at [email protected].
10. Amendments
The board of directors of WASEC reserves the right to amend this policy as necessary to reflect organisational changes, sector developments, or feedback from the membership. Members will be informed of any significant changes in a timely manner.
11. Contact
For enquiries regarding membership, please contact: [email protected]