The Academy of Life Planning (AoLP) is embarking on an exciting and transformative journey to formalise its structure as a member-owned co-operative society. The Governance Charter Project is at the heart of this transition, laying the foundation for a sustainable, ethical, and collaborative future.
The Governance Charter will serve as the core constitutional document of the Academy, setting out:
âś… Our purpose, vision, and mission
âś… Our legal form under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act
âś… The rights and responsibilities of members
âś… Our governance structure and decision-making processes
âś… The principles guiding transparency, integrity, and independence from the financial services system
🎯 Why this project?
For over a decade, the Academy of Life Planning has championed agency, independence, and holistic wealth planning as an alternative to product-driven financial advice.
As we grow, it is vital that the Academy is:
- Accountable to its members rather than external shareholders or industry interests
- Sustainable beyond the founder’s leadership
- Owned and governed democratically by its professional, affiliate, ambassador, and community members
- Aligned with co-operative values of mutual support, empowerment, and transparency
This Charter enables the Academy to continue its mission of empowering individuals to plan their lives—and not just their money—on a solid, ethical, and inclusive foundation.
🏛️ What does the Governance Charter do?
The Governance Charter defines:
✔️ How the Academy operates as a professional body for holistic wealth planners (not financial advisers)
✔️ Membership levels and benefits across Professional, Affiliate, Ambassador, and Community tiers
✔️ How members participate in governance, including voting rights, elections, and co-op ownership
✔️ How surpluses are reinvested or distributed in line with our values
✔️ How The GAME Plan is recognised as a globally accredited professional diploma qualification
🤝 Your role as a member
This Charter is your Charter. As a member, you are invited to:
âś… Review the draft Governance Charter
âś… Provide your feedback, suggestions, and concerns
âś… Help shape the final version before adoption
Your input will ensure the Charter reflects the Academy’s core principles of agency, independence, empowerment, and transparency, while securing the Academy’s long-term impact as a movement for change.
đź’¬ How to participate
You can:
- Read the draft Governance Charter → [Download link]
- Complete the online feedback form → [Survey link]
We’re also hosting an optional live consultation session on Monday 2nd June at 2:00 PM BST if you’d like to discuss the Governance Charter with fellow members in a collaborative setting. This will be an opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and explore the Charter together.
👉 Register for the live session here: [Registration link]
The final Charter will be shared with members along with a summary of consultation responses before it is formally adopted at a General Meeting.
đź“Ł A word from our Founder
“This Charter is more than a document—it’s a declaration of our shared commitment to build an organisation that empowers individuals to reclaim agency over their lives and wealth. It ensures the Academy of Life Planning remains transparent, ethical, and member-driven for generations to come.”
– Steve Conley, Founder, Academy of Life Planning
Academy of Life Planning 