Our constitution
Philanthrope is a certified co-operative. Our constitution is the legal foundation of how we operate. It defines our structure, our governance and the principles by which we share value and make decisions.
We are certified by Co-operatives UK and follow an approved model of cooperative governance. This ensures that our approach is both values led and legally binding.
Why it matters
Our constitution sets out the rules that govern:
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How we admit and support members
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How decisions are made and reviewed
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How voting rights are shared and used
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How profits are distributed
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How we remain accountable to our stakeholders
This document does not sit on a shelf. It is an active part of how we work every day.
How we govern
Philanthrope is governed democratically. Consultants and partners hold equal voting power on all major decisions. Clients are represented through our advisory panel, which provides feedback, insight and strategic challenge.
This structure ensures that no single group dominates. It reflects our belief that leadership should be shared, not centralised.
How we share value
Each year, any distributable surplus is shared in four equal parts:
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Clients
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Consultants
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Partners
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Purpose-aligned investment
This ensures that value is returned to those who contribute to it, and that the cooperative supports work beyond its commercial scope.
Why we publish it
We believe that trust is built through transparency. We make our constitution available so that clients, collaborators and candidates can see how we are structured and how we stay true to what we believe.
It is not just a commitment. It is a contract.