CAMBRIDGE UNITED FANS’ PARLIAMENT: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAMBRIDGE UNITED FANS’ PARLIAMENT:  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why does Cambridge United FC want to set up a Fans’ Parliament?
In November 2018 Cambridge United FC announced a number of initiatives aimed at improving fan engagement.  A Fans’ Parliament is one of these initiatives.
See: https://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/news/2018/november/communication-update/

2. Who suggested a Fans’ Parliament?
CFU suggested the idea, and offered to help set it up.

3. So will this be a CFU Fans’ Parliament?
Absolutely not.  CFU is just helping to research the idea, along with other United fans. 

4. What will the Fans’ Parliament do?
It will allow a group of elected fans to meet regularly with directors and officials of the Club, to ask questions on behalf of fans, to discuss what’s on their mind and to influence decisions made by the Football Club. 

5. Who will be able to stand for election to the Fans’ Parliament?
Any Cambridge United fan will be eligible to stand for election to the Fans’ Parliament.  Simple as that.

6. Who will research the feasibility of a Fans’ Parliament?
A working group of United fans will test whether there is sufficient interest in a Fan’s Parliament and, if there is, how it might operate.  CFU is involved in this group but it also includes other United fans.

7. When will we know for sure if a Fans’ Parliament is to be set up?
The working group expects to make an announcement before Christmas

8. How many fans will make up the Fans’ Parliament?
The working group will research this, and make recommendations.

9. What’s the difference between a Fans’ Parliament and a Fans Forum?
There are similarities (eg; fans will drive the agendas of both).  Fans’ Parliament meetings would be more frequent than Fans Forums, though, and will allow much more focussed and detailed discussions, with agreed actions.

10. What’s the difference between a Fans’ Parliament and the shareholders meeting?
There are similarities (eg; directors will answer questions at both) but Fans’ Parliament meetings would be more frequent than the annual shareholders meeting, and will allow much more focussed and detailed discussions, with agreed actions.  A Fans’ Parliament would not be restricted to shareholders, of course.

11. Does it have to be called a Fans’ Parliament?
No!  Tell us what you think it should be called.

12.Who would an elected fan represent at the Fans’ Parliament?
If elected you would represent the views of other United fans, those that elected you.

13. How will elections for the Fans’ Parliament be organised?
The working group will research this over the next few months, and make recommendations.

14. What specific groups of fans be represented on the Fans’ Parliament?
It is hoped that a wide variety of groups will be represented – including different parts of the stadium, female fans, disabled fans, BAME fans, young fans, senior citizen fans, LGBT fans, season ticket holders, Supporters Club members.  The working group will research what works at other club’s Fans’ Parliaments, and make recommendations.

15. When will the Fans’ Parliament start?
It is hoped that, all being well, the first meeting will be held before the end of April 2019.  Earlier if possible.

16. April 2019 is a long way away, how will the club improve its communications with fans in the meantime?
In November 2018 Cambridge United FC announced a number of initiatives that will help improve fan engagement at the club.  A Fans’ Parliament is one of these initiatives. 
See: https://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/news/2018/november/communication-update/

17. What other clubs operate a Fans’ Parliament?
Wolves, Bradford City, Doncaster Rovers and Shrewsbury Town, Sunderland and Dundee United all currently operate some kind of Fan’s Parliament.  The working group will find out how these work.

18. Who from the club will attend Fans’ Parliament meetings?
It is envisaged that both directors and senior club officials will attend each meeting. 

19. How do we know the club will take a Fans’ Parliament seriously?
The club has stated publicly that it is committed to the idea of a Fans’ Parliament. 
See:  https://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/news/2018/november/communication-update/

20. Will there be restrictions on what the Fans’ Parliament can discuss with the club?
There are likely to be some restrictions, such as the provision of detailed financial information, and the club may ask that some information is not made public, but we expect these to be very much the exception rather than the rule.

21. Who will chair the Fans’ Parliament meetings?
This is still to be determined and will form part of the research. 

22. How frequently will the Fans’ Parliament meet?
This will be determined by the research, but it is envisaged that the Fans’ Parliament will meet at least four times a year.

23. How will fans get to know the outcome of the Fans’ Parliament meetings?
The club has said the meetings will be filmed and made available on the club’s digital channels.  It is hoped that the minutes of each meeting will be posted online.

24. Who are Cambridge Fan United (CFU)?
CFU is the Cambridge United Supporters’ Trust.  For more info visit the CFU website: www.cambridgefansunited.org

25. What impact will the establishment of a Fans’ Parliament have on CFU?
CFU will need to consider this in due course, once the Fans’ Parliament is set up and we know exactly what it does and doesn’t do. 

26.  How can I pass on my views?
Please contact the working group via:  cfuinbox@btinternet.com

27 I might be interested in standing for election to the Fans’ Parliament, if it goes ahead – who do I contact?
Please contact the working group via:  cfuinbox@btinternet.com