Your Voice, Your Society – Shaping the Future Together

Members Consultation

Your chance to vote on proposed changes

We have reached a key milestone in our journey as a supporter-owned club. Following an extensive online consultation earlier this year, we are now moving to a formal member vote on eight proposed changes to The Well Society.

The feedback we received during the consultation has been invaluable. In response, we’ve made clarifications and, in some cases, adjusted proposals to better reflect members’ views. This formal vote is your opportunity to help shape the future direction of the Society based on proposals that have been refined through your input.

Understanding the proposals

Before voting, we encourage you to read a summary of all eight proposals below or in a single document available here.

This includes:

An overview of the change
Consultation feedback
Responses to your questions
Any additional amendments based on your input
Full draft policies

Making your voice heard

Voting is open now and will close on Thursday 26th June at noon (BST).

You can vote via the link which was sent to all Well Society members on Thursday 12th June. If you did not receive an email please contact us members@thewellsociety.uk.

Each proposal will be voted on individually:

The proposals on Local Adult Membership Tiers and Benefits, Global Adult Membership Tiers and Benefits and Junior Steel Membership Tiers and Benefits require a simple majority excluding abstentions.
The proposals on Definition of an Adult Member, Introduction of a Members’ Code of Conduct, Introduction of a Well Society Funding Policy, Changes to Rules of Association and Introduction of Supporting Policies and Introduction of Well Society Major Votes Policy require 75% support excluding abstentions to pass.

Reporting the result

We will announce the results of the ballot at a Special General Meeting on Monday 30th June at 7pm (BST) in the 91 Lounge at Fir Park. Members can attend in person or join via video link. Please register your attendance in advance here.

Thank you for continuing to shape the future of our club and community. Your voice truly matters.

THE PROPOSALS

Changes to Local Adult Membership Tiers and Benefits

We want to transition from

A complex six-tier membership structure gradually developed since the Society’s launch in 2011.
Inconsistently named membership tiers that have not been actively promoted over the last 5 years.
A lack of clarity and consistency regarding tiers, associated benefits, and member contributions.
Overpromising and underdelivering on the delivery of previously offered benefits.

We want to move to

A simplified four-tier membership structure, renamed to reflect the club’s rich heritage.
A focus on meaningful experiences that Well Society members have identified as valuable.
The introduction of a new mobile app, fostering a closer connection to the Society and the club.
A curated set of benefits that we can reliably deliver to drive engagement and loyalty.

We believe these changes are required to

Ensure all members across the UK feel valued and appreciated as part of The Well Society.
Simplify and modernise our approach, making it easier for members to understand and access their benefits.
Address feedback from members and provide a more fulfilling, consistent membership experience.

We asked are you supportive of the proposed changes to local adult membership tiers and benefits?

Total responses: 77
Responses with feedback: 44
Yes: 60 / 77.9%
No: 4 / 5.2%
Unsure: 12 / 15.6%
Rather not say: 1 / 1.3%

We would like to offer further clarity on the following questions

Are the gaps between each of the tiers too large?
The new structure is designed with simplification and deliverability in mind. While the tier gaps are more significant than they were previously, they reflect clearly segmented benefits to ensure fairness and clarity. This approach helps us provide reliable, meaningful rewards that we can consistently deliver without overpromising

How many hospitality spots will there be within the prize draw?
There will be one hospitality spot available for two people for each home match.

Do you believe the proposed change will offer an attractive enough proposition to generate a sizable new intake of members?
Yes, we believe the simplified structure, better alignment of benefits with member interests, and the launch of a new mobile app will create a more compelling and accessible offering. Combined with more transparent and achievable rewards, we believe that this will appeal to both new and lapsed members. We will look to review benefits on an annual basis to ensure they are meeting the needs of our members.

What is the rationale for the Local membership being based on total donations while the Global membership is on monthly levels?
The Local membership structure is based on accumulated donations due to the legacy model and historical member contributions. Global membership is a new initiative, and we’ve adopted a monthly level-based system from the outset, as it’s a more modern and scalable approach.

Do you have accurate amounts for each member’s contribution since joining?
We are working currently to complete a full analysis of all available data in order to develop an accurate record of member’s contributions.

Will I get an annual update on how much I have contributed in total since joining?
Member’s contributions will be available on our new mobile app.

Can overall contributions be topped up in lump sums?
Yes, members will have the option to make one-off lump sum contributions. Please contact us to arrange.

Are the figures quoted monthly or annual payments?
The Local membership tiers are based on overall member’s contributions rather than monthly or annual payments.

If you are considering a revamp of the tier system, then why not consider scrapping it altogether?
We have considered this following the consultation but concluded that a tier system, when simplified and clearly communicated, can drive engagement and reward loyalty more effectively.

Does the difference in tier costs risk a “have and have not” situation?
We’ve been careful to design benefits at each tier that offer value, regardless of the contribution level. While higher tiers unlock additional perks, all members will have meaningful engagement opportunities. The focus is on inclusivity and ensuring that all members feel part of the Society, no matter their contribution.

Should the minimum monthly payment rise to £10 rather than £5?
This is a valid consideration, and we’re open to reviewing the minimum contribution as the new structure is implemented. At this stage, keeping the entry point at £5 at month ensures accessibility, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. The board will continue to review minimum monthly payments on an annual basis.

We are proposing the following changes as a direct result of your feedback

We clarify that a share in the Well Society is a community share in the Society rather than an equity share in Motherwell Football Club

Changes to Global Adult Membership Tiers and Benefits

We want to transition from

A one-size-fits-all approach to member benefits, regardless of where you are based in the World.
A digital-only welcome pack for supporters who join as global Well Society members..
Limited efforts to grow, engage and develop our international membership base.

We want to move to

Two bespoke membership packages, which are available on a rolling monthly or annual basis.
A physical welcome pack, designed in collaboration with global Well Society members.
A range of exclusive events throughout the season, connecting those based outside of the UK to our club.
A targeted focus on growing international membership.

We believe these changes are required to

Recognise and address the unique needs and expectations of our global membership base.
Foster a stronger sense of belonging for international members through personalised benefits and engagement opportunities.
Create new avenues for connecting with Motherwell FC and its community, no matter where our members live.
Capitalise on the potential for growth in regions like North America, where interest in football and supporter culture is steadily increasing.
A lack of events and communications which are tailored to our international

We asked are you supportive of the proposed changes to global adult membership tiers and benefits?

Total responses: 77
Responses with feedback: 29
Yes: 62 / 80.5%
No: 3 / 3.9%
Unsure: 11 / 14.3%
Rather not say: 1 / 1.3%

We would like to offer further clarity on the following questions

What would the Motherwell FC TV Subscription look like?
The Motherwell FC TV subscription offered as part of the Global membership will provide live streaming access to matches, subject to broadcast restrictions. This benefit is specifically tailored for international members and can be accessed anywhere outside the UK and Ireland, in compliance with broadcasting regulations.

Are Global members receiving more benefits and deals compared to local members?
The benefits for global and local members are designed to be equally valuable but tailored to their different needs. Local members benefit from in-person experiences, prize draws for matchday hospitality, and local engagement opportunities. Global members are offered exclusive digital content and access to global-only events. The intention is not to offer “more” to one group but to make sure that all members — regardless of location — receive meaningful and fair benefits.

Could Global members receive pin badges in line with the Local membership offer?
We are exploring options to include pin badges in the physical welcome packs for Global members.

Could Global members receive some benefits from the Well Shop such as free shipping on one order per year or an annual gift voucher?
This is not something which we can currently support but we will consider opportunities to introduce this benefit in future.

Will there be higher tiers available specific to Global members?
At launch, the focus will be on two tiers, but we are open to introducing higher or more tailored tiers in the future depending on demand and feedback.

How do the Global membership tiers fit with the Local membership tiers?
The Local membership structure is based on accumulated donations due to the legacy model and historical member contributions. Global membership is a new initiative, and we’ve adopted a monthly level-based system from the outset, as it’s a more modern and scalable approach.

We are proposing the following changes as a direct result of your feedback

We clarify that a share in the Well Society is a community share in the Society rather than an equity share in Motherwell Football Club

Changes to Junior Steel Membership Tiers and Benefits

We want to transition from

A one-time £25 fee in year one, followed by a £20 renewal fee, which may be a barrier to continued engagement.
A system where benefits are not clearly linked to active membership, creating inconsistencies in rewards.
A lack of dedicated oversight for Junior Steel initiatives, limiting their potential impact.
An approach which offers the same benefits for all young Motherwell supporters regardless of age.

We want to move to

A simpler, more flexible payment structure, with a £24 annual fee or a rolling £2 per month subscription to encourage ongoing membership.
A model where only active, paying members receive benefits, such as birthday cards and entry into mascot draws, ensuring fairness.
The creation of a Junior Steel mini-board who will collectively look to develop the membership experience.
An introduction of additional benefits which are tailored to young supporters based on their age.

We believe these changes are required to

Make membership more accessible and manageable, reducing financial barriers for families.
Ensure fairness and consistency, so that rewards and opportunities go to engaged members.
Improve organisation and delivery, allowing for better engagement and exciting new initiatives for young supporters.

We asked, are you supportive of the proposed changes to Junior Steel membership tiers and benefits?

Total responses: 77
Responses with feedback: 24
Yes: 66/ 85.7%
No: 1 / 1.3%
Unsure: 7 / 9.1%
Rather not say: 3 / 3.9%

We would like to offer further clarity on the following questions

Is this just an increase in cost for Junior Steel membership?
We have introduced additional benefits as part of the proposed changes and the introduction of a new Junior Steel mini-board will allow for further enhancements in future. There is no change to the current monthly cost of £2. There is a £1 reduction for new memberships when paying annually. Whilst annual renewals will rise by £4. The focus on these changes is simplifying our structure and equalising monthly and annual renewal options.

We are not proposing any further changes to our original proposal following your feedback

Changes to Adult Membership Definition

We want to transition from

Considering anyone over the age of 18 who has contributed £5 or more at any point since the Society’s foundation in 2011 as a member.
Members retaining their membership status regardless of ongoing contributions to the Society.

We want to move to

A set minimum contribution of £5 monthly or £60 annually for UK-based adult members.
A set minimum contribution of £3 monthly or £36 annually for young adult members.
Recognising long-standing members who joined under the one-off payment model but no longer meet the minimum contribution to retain membership at the 1886 tier.
A fair, structured, and sustainable model that encourages ongoing commitment and supports the long-term success of the Society.

We believe these changes are required to

Ensure fairness for members who currently support the Society through ongoing contributions.
Provide stronger incentives for members to restart their contributions on a regular basis.
Recognise the contributions made by early Well Society members when the focus was on one-off contributions.
Cultivate a more engaged and active community within the Well Society.

How this change would impact individual members

On 21 May 2015, following member consultation, The Well Society transitioned from a one-off payment model to an ongoing monthly contribution model.
Members who joined before 21 May 2015 and continue to meet the minimum contribution will retain their membership at the relevant tier.
Members who joined before 21 May 2015 but are no longer meeting the minimum contribution will retain membership at the 1886 tier.
Members who joined after 21 May 2015 and continue to meet the minimum contribution will maintain their membership at the relevant tier.
Members who joined after 21 May 2015 but are no longer contributing will lose their membership status and voting rights.

We asked, are you supportive of the proposed changes to the definition of an adult member?

Total responses: 77
Responses with feedback: 26
Yes: 63 / 81.8%
No: 3 / 3.9%
Unsure: 10 / 13.0%
Rather not say: 1 / 1.3%

We would like to offer further clarity on the following questions

Is it wrong to reduce an individual’s tier status based only on the fact they are no longer contributing monthly?
We understand this is a sensitive topic. The updated model is based on fairness and sustainability. Ongoing contributions are critical to supporting the club and the Well Society. Removing status for those no longer contributing ensures that active members who are financially supporting the Society are recognised accordingly. Importantly, members who joined before May 2015 under the launch model will retain 1886-tier membership, in recognition of their early support.

Why is the date of 21 May 2015 being used to make a distinction between those who will retain membership or lose membership?
The following communication was sent by the board of The Well Society on 21 May 2015 which moved Society policy to seek ongoing monthly pledges rather than one-off payments:

To help achieve long-term financial stability for Motherwell FC and its vision of becoming the best community club in Scotland, we are asking all members to pledge money to the Well Society each month.

Last month we sent an email to members seeking approval for a revised membership structure. We have received an overwhelming endorsement of the proposals and thank everyone who responded.

The policy now is to seek ongoing monthly pledges by direct debit, similar to the Foundation of Hearts, replacing the system of initial membership payments and annual renewal fees. You can pay £10 a month, £20, £30 or as much as you are able.

Your contributions will still be recognised in the form of benefits, based on an incremental scale. Most importantly, though, you will be investing in a sustainable financial future for your club, providing it with working capital as it moves towards a self-sufficient future with the help of Les Hutchison.

How soon after stopping contributing will status be removed?
If a member pauses or stops contributions, they will retain existing membership status for three months, giving them time to restart if needed. After that period, and if no contribution is resumed, membership status and associated voting rights will be removed except for legacy 1886-tier members, where applicable.

Could the minimum adult contribution of £60 per annum be seen as a barrier to entry?
This has been carefully considered. The monthly contribution of £5 is designed to keep the entry point affordable and accessible. The goal is to find a sustainable balance.

Would it be possible to develop a family membership?
We are looking to simplify our membership proposition through these changes so are not looking to introduce a family membership at this time.

Is there scope to have a Disability Well Society?
We would encourage you to join the Motherwell Disabled Supporters Association (DSA). You can do this for just £10 per year. Disabled supporters, both wheelchair and ambulant, will have access to away match tickets within disabled areas together with car parking, where available. Members are also invited to regular DSA meetings where they have the ability to raise any concerns that can be taken directly to the club.

We are not proposing any further changes to our original proposal following your feedback

Introduction of Members' Code of Conduct

We want to transition from

Having no formal Code of Conduct, leading to potential uncertainty about member expectations.
A lack of clear guidelines for respectful engagement, which may hinder positive discussions.
Limited accountability in member behaviour, making it harder to address misconduct effectively.

We want to move to

A structured Code of Conduct that sets clear expectations for member behaviour and engagement.
A culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability, ensuring all members feel valued and heard.
A fair and transparent approach to handling disputes or breaches, reinforcing Society values.

We believe these changes are required to

Encourage open and respectful discussions, allowing for diverse viewpoints within the Society.
Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all Motherwell supporters.
Strengthen the Society’s reputation by promoting integrity and responsible engagement.

We asked, are you supportive of the introduction of the proposed Members’ Code of Conduct?

Total responses: 77
Responses with feedback: 26
Yes: 69 / 89.6%
No: 2 / 2.6%
Unsure: 5 / 6.5%
Rather not say: 1 / 1.3%

We would like to offer further clarity on the following questions

Does this policy run the risk of becoming a gagging order?
The intention is not to silence criticism or restrict members from speaking out. The Code of Conduct is about promoting respectful, inclusive, and constructive engagement, not censorship. The additional proposed changes reflect our commitment to ensuring the policy does not suppress differing opinions or constructive criticism. Members are still encouraged to ask questions, raise concerns and hold leadership to account, as long as this is done in a respectful and non-abusive manner.

Who will supervise this and how?
Oversight will rest with the Governance workstream of the Well Society Board. This group will ensure that any concerns or breaches are reviewed fairly, transparently, and with full respect for all parties involved.

How will issues be raised by members and dealt with?
Members will be able to raise issues confidentially through our designated contact email and online form. Each case will be handled individually, with care and confidentiality. Where appropriate, mediation or informal resolution will be prioritised. Formal action will only be taken when necessary, and members involved will always be informed of the process and outcome.

We are proposing the following changes as a direct result of your feedback

We will remove “represent the Society positively in all public and private interactions, ensuring alignment with its values and objectives”.

We will remove “respect decisions made by the Society’s Board and engage with governance processes constructively”.

We will amend “engage actively and constructively in Society meetings, events, and activities. Share ideas and provide feedback respectfully” to “where members choose to, they are encouraged to engage constructively, share ideas and provide feedback respectfully and thoughtfully”

We will amend “avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as harassment, bullying, or discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics” to “avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as harassment, bullying, or discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics

Proposed Members’ Code of Conduct

Proposed Members’ Code of Conduct

Introduction of Well Society Funding Policy

We want to transition from

The Club Improvement Programme, which was established to provide low level funding to club departments.
Annual grants of up to £5,000, awarded based on applications assessed by the Well Society Board.
Having no segregation between members’ contributions and income from other fundraising initiatives.
Applications for Club Improvement Programme grants being received throughout the year on an ad-hoc basis.

We want to move to

A model where event-based fundraising becomes the primary source of the Well Society’s club improvement funding.
Greater collaboration between club departments and Society members in organising, attending, and promoting fundraising events.
Allocating funds to specific projects in advance to focus efforts and encourage participation.
Directing members’ contributions primarily toward growing the reserve fund, ensuring the club’s long-term financial security.
Retaining the Well Society Board’s ability to invest in specific revenue-generating club projects whilst keeping this separate from members’ contributions.

We believe these changes are required to

Foster a shared sense of responsibility between the club and supporters while attracting all supporters to our events.
Create clearer links between the Society’s fundraising efforts and club improvements.
Aligning events with club needs to drive positive exposure and attract potential sponsors.
Continue the growth of financial contributions as we build on the success of our Live the Dream and 12 Days of Christmas initiatives.
Guarantee that ongoing monthly members’ contributions support the club’s long-term financial security and strategic projects.

We asked are you supportive of the proposed Well Society Funding Policy?

Total responses: 77
Responses with feedback: 20
Yes: 65 / 84.4%
No: 1 / 1.3%
Unsure: 10 / 13.0%
Rather not say: 1 / 1.3%

We would like to offer further clarity on the following questions

Will fundraising activities be communicated to members?
Yes — all fundraising activities will be clearly and proactively communicated to members. This includes advance notice via email, social media, and the Society website, so members can plan to attend, support, or help promote events. There will also be post-event updates on how much was raised, where funds will be directed, and the impact of member involvement. We want members to feel informed, involved, and appreciated throughout the process.

Will there be a greater focus on fundraising activities going forward?
Yes — this is a key part of our new approach. The plan is to shift the focus of club improvement funding to be event-driven, making these activities more visible and engaging. Events will be collaboratively designed with club departments and Society members to ensure they’re exciting, well-supported, and aligned with club needs. Building on successful initiatives like Live the Dream and 12 Days of Christmas, we aim to make these events a regular and rewarding part of Well Society life.

What would be considered a good enough reason to use reserve funds?
Reserve funds exist to provide long-term security and strategic flexibility for the club. They would only be used under clearly justified circumstances, such as emergencies that threaten the financial stability of the club and investments in revenue-generating projects, where there is a clear business case and benefit to the club and Society. Use of reserve funds will always be carefully considered, transparently communicated, and subject to Well Society Board approval.

We are not proposing any further changes to our original proposal following your feedback

Changes to Rules of Association and Introduction of Supporting Policies

We want to transition from

A Rules of Association format that is complex, difficult to understand, and not user-friendly.
A set of rules that has remained largely unchanged since its development in 2011, making them outdated.
A lack of clear, structured policies and procedures, leading to inconsistencies in governance.

We want to move to

A simplified and streamlined Rules of Association that is clearer, more meaningful, and accessible to all members.
A comprehensive set of supporting policies covering key areas such as Board Membership & Conduct, Disciplinary Procedures, Elections, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and Social Media Use.
Rules and policies that reflect best practices recommended by Supporters Direct Scotland, ensuring strong and transparent governance.

We believe these changes are required to

Modernise and future-proof the governance of The Well Society.
Improve transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in how The Well Society operates.
Ensure our rules and policies align with current best practices in supporter-led organisations.

We asked are you supportive of the proposed changes to our Rules of Association and the introduction of new supporting policies?

Total responses: 77
Responses with feedback: 17
Yes: 63 / 81.8%
No: 2 / 2.6%
Unsure: 12 / 15.6%

We would like to offer further clarity on the following questions

There seems to be an awful lot of rules and policies – surely these can be condensed into one document?
The move away from a single document is in line with the best practice of Supporters Direct Scotland and this reflects the changing landscape of regulation for organisations like the Well Society.

Should there be more protections put in place for major or critical decisions?
We have proposed a new major votes policy to offer additional protections.

We are proposing the following changes as a direct result of your feedback

We have clarified that supporting policies will be included as annexes of the Rules of Association.

We have clarified that where there is any inconsistency between the Rules of Association and the supporting policies, that the Rules of Association shall govern.

We are replacing the term “fully paid-up member” with “member” within the Election Policy. “Member” definition will fall into line with the adult membership definition which is also part of this vote.

We are adding “the Member(s) subject to disciplinary proceedings shall have the right to be accompanied or represented during the hearing, including by legal representation if they so choose” within the Procedure section of the Disciplinary Process.

We are adding “However, where the subject of the disciplinary process is a current Society Board Member, the Disciplinary Committee must be composed of a majority of independent individuals, who shall be selected in accordance with the criteria outlined for independent members above” within the Procedure section of the Disciplinary Process.

We are removing the words “for dishonesty, fraud or dealing in drugs” from section 2.4 which defines an “Indictable Offence” which keeps it consistent with section 5.10.6 in the same policy.

Proposed Rules of Association and supporting policies

Introduction of Well Society Major Votes Policy

We want to transition from

No formal policy guiding how major votes are conducted.
Uncertainty around what qualifies as a major vote.
No defined qualification period before new members can vote.

We want to move to

Maximising participation from committed members in decisions that shape the club’s future.
Clear definitions of what constitutes a major vote and who is eligible to take part.
Introducing safeguards – like a cooling-off period – to prevent short-term influence on major decisions.

We believe these changes are required to

Deepen member engagement and strengthen trust in our democratic processes.
Safeguard the long-term stability of The Well Society and Motherwell Football Club.
Ensure major decisions reflect the will of the membership.
Enhance governance and reduce the risk of external or short-term disruption.

We asked are you supportive of the proposed changes to our Major Votes Policy?

Total responses: 127
Responses with feedback: 69
Yes: 110 / 86.6%
No: 8 / 6.3%
Unsure: 9 / 7.1%

We would like to offer further clarity on the following questions

What is meant by a “supermajority” and when is it used?
A supermajority refers to a higher threshold of agreement than a simple majority. We understand concerns about clarity and consistency. In our updated proposal, this will be set at 75% for where a major vote criteria is met.

Who decides what counts as a “major vote” and the required voting threshold?
The criteria for major votes are clearly defined in the policy to avoid discretion or manipulation. Once a matter qualifies as a major vote based on the listed triggers, the required voting threshold will now consistently be 75%.

Why is there a waiting period before new members can vote?
It is worthwhile remembering that new Society members will retain voting rights for Board Elections and any other member ballot undertaken outside of the major vote criteria. The qualification period, specifically for major votes, is designed to safeguard against short-term or opportunistic sign-ups that may skew votes on critical issues.

What does “a fully paid-up member” mean?
A fully paid-up member is someone who has maintained their membership payments up to date over the required qualification period. This helps ensure fairness and sustained engagement in the Society.

What does “one member, one vote – except when it might not be” mean?
We recognise this was unclear and poorly phrased. The policy is committed to “one member, one vote” as a principle. All votes are equal, but eligibility to participate may depend on length of membership for certain key decisions. We will ensure this language is consistent and unambiguous.
How are votes managed and verified?
Voting will be conducted electronically and by post, with oversight and verification by an independent panel. Full results, including turnout, will be made public to ensure transparency.
What is considered a “major vote”?
The policy defines this clearly: issues like club ownership, large-scale financial commitments, structural changes, mergers, branding, and relocation of the stadium

Would stadium renaming be part of the major vote criteria?
Stadium renaming falls outside of the major vote criteria which we have defined. The Society Board is committed to seeking the views of members on this issue and will look to consult in the coming months.

We are proposing the following changes as a direct result of your feedback

We have clarified that for fundamental changes, a fixed supermajority of 75% of votes cast will be required for major votes — this will no longer be decided on a case-by-case basis.
We have removed ambiguous terms like “may” in relation to voting thresholds and instead provide definitive statements.
We have additional clarity around the definition of a “fully paid up member”.
We have enhanced the commitment to share full voting outcomes, eligibility rules, and access to independent oversight for all major votes.

Proposed Major Votes Policy

Proposed Major Votes Policy