Governance

The Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) is a charity and a company with a board of trustees. The organisation is governed by the memorandum and articles which can be downloaded below. 

ASDC’s charitable aims from our memorandum and articles (2009)

To serve and support science and discovery centres and related organisations, in the UK and beyond, fostering learning and engagement in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics for the public benefit.

Memorandum and Articles

Together the Memorandum of Association, and the Articles of Association give all the details of how the charity should be governed.


Key specifications from the Articles of Associations are:

  • The number of trustees of ASDC should be between 8 and 16 (unless otherwise determined by general meeting).
  • For a trustee meeting, the quorum number is 6 (unless otherwise determined by a previous board meeting).
  • 21 days notice must be given of the AGM and general meetings.
  • For an AGM, quorum is deemed to be at least 6 members, 2 of whom are directors.
  • The board of trustees is responsible for electing the new chairperson and the term is not pre-set (see clause 50 of the Articles). 

Download the ASDC Memorandum of Association

Download the ASDC Articles of Association (updated 2023)

Every year, ASDC holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM). ASDC was set up as an independent charity in 2009 and since then has held its AGM to coincide with the national conference in September. 

All the details for the most recent AGMs, can be found in the links below: 

Annual Accounts

Download our annual accounts via the links below: