East Renfrewshire Licensed Drivers Association

(ERLDA)

Constitution & Rules

Version 1.0 – March 2026

Preamble

We are licensed taxi and private hire drivers, licensed by East Renfrewshire Council, and are

convening in a voluntary association to act as representatives of our trade, to serve as stakeholders

of our trade, and to campaign for and to work for improvements to our trade.

We affirm that we are self-employed sole traders and that we are assembling together in solidarity

with one another; convinced that such association assures a strong collective voice to represent our

individual and shared concerns within the licensed taxi and private hire trade.

Mission Statement

The East Renfrewshire Licensed Drivers Association (ERLDA) are stakeholders to the licensed taxi

and private hire trade and represent the individual and shared concerns of drivers licensed by East

Renfrewshire Council.

The work of the Association aims to ensure fair income for drivers and to ensure that working

conditions within the licensed trade are continuously improved.

In doing this, the Association engages with East Renfrewshire Council, licensing authorities, ALEOs

and QUANGOs, the police, the Scottish Government where appropriate, and other trade

stakeholders.

The Association defends its members against threats to their livelihoods, including when a licence is

under threat. The Association also campaigns against policies or practices that may worsen working

conditions or reduce the earning potential of the trade.

The Association works to foster solidarity, fellowship and cooperation within the trade while

promoting a shared sense of professionalism among licensed drivers.

Organisational Structure

The East Renfrewshire Licensed Drivers Association (ERLDA) is an unincorporated association.

The ERLDA operates as a single association and is not organised into geographic branches.

Project Groups

Whenever a specific task, campaign or project requires attention, a project group may be created.

Project groups:

• are ad-hoc in nature

• exist only for as long as their purpose exists

• may include any member of the association

• may accept input from external stakeholders where appropriate

Project groups operate under the general direction of the General Secretary and Executive Committee.

Campaign Strategy and Trade Representation

Matters of campaign strategy are administered by the Executive Committee, chaired by the General

Secretary.

The Executive Committee determines campaign direction on matters affecting drivers licensed by

East Renfrewshire Council.

Strategic decisions should be taken in the belief that they reflect the views of the majority of the

membership. Where doubt exists, the issue should be resolved through a membership ballot.

The General Secretary does not vote within the Executive Committee unless required to break a tie.

Meetings and Decisions

The Association is encouraged to hold regular meetings.

Meetings may be open to members and non-members unless announced otherwise.

The purpose of meetings is:

• to communicate updates to members

• to allow discussion of trade issues

• to determine policy and direction

Decisions are made by simple majority of members present.

Membership ballots require:

• 50% turnout to be valid

• two-thirds majority to pass.

The General Secretary

The General Secretary is elected by all association members and serves a term of approximately

two years.

Duties include:

• acting as spokesperson for the association

• coordinating campaigns

• representing the association publicly

• overseeing executive functions

The General Secretary may veto decisions that conflict with the aims of the association. 

Such vetoes must then be resolved through a membership ballot.

Executive Functions

The Association is administered by the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee oversees the day-to-day operation of the association.

Executive functions include:

• representation of members in licensing matters

• administration of the association

• organisation of campaigns

• communication with stakeholders

The Executive Committee consists of:

• General Secretary

• Treasurer

• Complaints Officer

• other office bearers as required.

Driver–Operator Mediation

The Association may act as a mediator in disputes between licensed drivers and taxi or private hire

operators.

Mediation:

• is voluntary

• requires consent of both parties

• seeks to facilitate fair dialogue

The Association does not act as a legal adjudicator and cannot impose binding decisions.

Election of Office Bearers

Office bearer roles may be created or abolished by the association.

Office bearers are typically elected at association meetings.

Members in good standing may:

• stand for election

• nominate others

• self-nominate.

Terms of office are typically 12–24 months.

Membership Rules

Membership is open to any taxi or private hire driver holding a current licence issued by East

Renfrewshire Council.

Members agree to:

• support the aims of the association

• cooperate with fellow members

• contribute to the collective interests of the trade.

Membership may be suspended or revoked if a member:

• acts against the interests of the association

• disrupts the principles of cooperation

• fails to maintain membership payments.

Membership

There is one type of membership: Regular Membership.

Regular Membership:

• is open to licensed taxi or private hire drivers licensed by East Renfrewshire Council

• allows members to vote in ballots

• allows members to stand for office

• entitles members to representation and support.

Membership Fee

Regular Membership is set at £8 per month.

Association Funds

All funds of the East Renfrewshire Licensed Drivers Association shall be held in the name of the

Association.

Funds shall be used solely to further the objectives of the Association in accordance with this

Constitution.

No member shall have any personal entitlement to the assets or funds of the Association.

Casework, Licensing and Legal Support

Members are entitled to representation and support in licensing matters.

Where legal representation is required, the Executive Committee may approve engagement with a

solicitor.

Legal cover applies only to licensing cases and appeals, not general criminal or civil matters.

Cases with less than 50% chance of success will normally not be supported.

Authority to Represent Members

By becoming a member, drivers authorise the Association and its representatives to act on their

behalf in matters relating to the licensed taxi and private hire trade.

This may include:

• correspondence with licensing authorities

• participation in consultations

• mediation with operators

• attendance at meetings or hearings.

The Association does not act as legal representatives unless permitted by law.

Member Complaints and Discipline

A Complaints Officer shall investigate complaints made by members.

Complaints are investigated and findings presented to the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee determines appropriate disciplinary action

.

Appeals Procedure

Members may appeal disciplinary decisions.

An appeal panel of five members will hear the appeal.

The panel's decision shall be final.

Protection of Office Bearers

No office bearer of the Association shall be personally liable for debts or liabilities of the Association

provided they have acted in good faith and within the authority granted by this Constitution.

The Association shall indemnify office bearers against liabilities incurred in the proper discharge of

their duties.

This protection does not apply where an officer has acted fraudulently or outside their authority.

Dissolution of the Association

The Association may be dissolved only through a membership ballot.

Requirements:

• 50% turnout

• two-thirds majority.

Upon dissolution:

• debts must first be settled

• liability is limited to association assets

• remaining funds shall be distributed equally among current members unless an alternative lawful

distribution is agreed.

Status of Constitution

This Constitution is a living document and may be amended by the Association where necessary.

Amendments may be proposed by the Executive Committee or by members.

All resolutions must remain consistent with this Constitution.

Founding Members Adoption

This Constitution was adopted by the founding members of the East Renfrewshire Licensed Drivers

Association (ERLDA) prior to circulation to the membership.

Founding Members

John Paul Duffy

Nicholas Capuano

John Munn

Signature: J.Duffy

Date: 25/03/2026