The Franchise Council of Australia is seeking approval from its membership to amend its constitution. Among the changes proposed, a more skills-based, and inclusive board.
In its current format, the FCA board comprises five state chapter presidents, two franchisors, and two service providers.
The proposed changes would remove the automatic inclusion of state chapter presidents, replacing these positions with five elected franchisors. The new-look board would add in franchisee representation, with one multi-unit and one single-unit franchisee.
The five franchisor positions would be limited to C-suite, partner, owner or founder positions, with at least five years experience.
Jay Westbury, FCA CEO, described the proposal as a step forward for the board to be both more inclusive, and skills-based.
Westbury told Franchise Executives, “It’s a fundamental shift to bring on two constitutionally-based board seats for franchisees, and a step to be more representative of the franchise eco-system.”
Other changes to the constitution include a simplification of member categories to franchisor, franchisee, supplier and non-voting member and a 50 per cent board rotation every two years.
In a revised member engagement matrix, featuring a host of special interest groups, the board would have direct contact with the FCA operational team, state engagement chapters and the Women in Franchising group.
The constitutional change requires a 75 per cent yes vote from members to proceed. The deadline for members to vote for or against the changes is 3 September 2026.
