Co-Dependents Anonymous UK
Hopeful messages of recovery – the struggles, the victories, and how to continue in this recovery journey. May you find inspiration and hope as you hear from people who have been where you have been. You’re worth it!
CoDA North Texas
Registration from 4pm on Friday (dinner at 6.00 pm) and ends at 3pm on Sunday
The Codependents Anonymous Approved Women’s Retreat will adhere to the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Codependents Anonymous, adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous. Codependents Anonymous is a spiritual programme. 12 Step Meetings will be held throughout the weekend and CODA approved literature will also be available.
Kairos is home to a small spiritual group of friendly religious Sisters and is a venue used by other 12 Step fellowships.
There will be a choice of meetings to attend or you are free to explore the grounds, walk to the beach (10 minutes away), or do whatever you need for your own health and recovery. There will also be a social gathering on the Saturday evening, which is an opportunity to have some fun. Please share your talents with us, but be mindful of Tradition 6 i.e. no outside enterprises. All activities are optional.
Most of the bedrooms are for single occupancy and few are available for twin sharing. Each floor has ample washing facilities and plenty of tea-making areas. Please bring what you need with you for your own comfort, be it a hot water bottle, your own towel or a special herbal tea. The food at Kairos is wholesome and plentiful. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be provided.
Please inform us when you book if you need a special diet i.e. vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free etc, and this will be catered for. The rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so inform us when you book of any special room requests. There is disabled access. Unfortunately, there is no camping at this venue.
The cost is £210 for accommodation, admin and food to be paid by bank transfer or cheque
To book a place
Please email Judith on jabrookfield@gmail.com stating your preferred room type & any food requirements.Travel: for travel details please see the Kairos website. https://www.thekairoscentre.co.uk/
CoDA Womens Retreat Team
Payment:
General Enquiries:
For general CoDA queries about the Retreat:
“Through service inside and outside of CoDA I am growing”
Affirmations
The CoDA Service Conference will be hybrid this year (both in person and virtual)
Service Conference: 24th-27th July 2023
Workshops & Speakers: 28th-30th July 2023
View Event Flyer
More info to follow – keep an eye on this page for details
CSC Conference Motions and Reports
CSC – Summaries (1987 to date)
CSC Motions and Reports (1987 to date)
Past Convention and Retreat Recordings
CSC – Audio Index
CoDA Service Conference 2021 – Philip
CoDA Service Conference 2021 – Pete H
CoDA Report from NSC to Service Conference 2020
CoDA Service Conference 2020 Report to NSC
CoDA Service Conference – Questions & Answers
We are looking for volunteers to give service to expand the service pages, sharing the benefits of service to our recovery, and providing a resource for fellow members to develop their service roles at personal, group, region, national and international level. Please contact codawebservice@codauk.org if you would like to be involved in developing the service pages resource.
CoDA UK is holding its next business meeting which is open to members from all the national meetings and representatives of regional groups.
Join us online/by phone to discuss national CoDA business. NSC Committee Members and Group Service Representatives (GSRs) are able to vote on any motions proposed.
The meeting will follow the successful recent format, with 30 second shares from each member before a vote is taken, if one is required. Please note that there may not be enough time in the meeting to go through any written reports in detail so we ask all members to come prepared, having read the reports and agenda items in advance, so that we have time for questions, and sharing and reflection during each agenda item. Papers will be circulated at least a week in advance.
To submit a report or an item for discussion, please complete the relevant page of this form and send it to secretary@codauk.org by Saturday 29th April.
Please note, the minute taker will record any votes and actions, which we will review at the end of the meeting. Any references to individuals are on a first name basis only. If you do not wish to be mentioned by name in the minutes, please make this clear to the minute taker.
Please join the zoom call just before 10am.
Join Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 857 1637 8916
Password: 874688
Or dial on one of the numbers below
+44 330 088 5830, +44 131 460 1196 , +44 20 3481 5237,
+44 20 3481 5240, +44 20 8080 6591, +44 20 8080 6592
Everyone is welcome to attend, so please share this communication at your groups.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at communications@codauk.org.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 13th May.
Previous meeting minutes are published here.
The following agreed proposals from recent NSC meetings may guide us in our service:
20th March 2021 NSC meeting
Agenda item 1 – That the minutes to NSC meetings be limited to the proposals/votes only and relevant committee member’s reports detailing business information e.g. Treasurer’s Report/PI/Hospitals and Institutions.
The minutes will include ‘dissenting voices’ which will be specifically relayed to the secretary after the vote; the comments will be attributed to the member who made them.
Abstain – 0
Against – 0
In favour – 15 Motion carried
5th December 2020 NSC meeting
Agenda item 15 – For this and the next NSC meeting we go with a majority vote i.e. the total of the in-favour votes is greater than the sum of the against and abstentions. The total of the votes is based on how many people are in the meeting and eligible to vote. Abstentions are made as members don’t have the confidence to make a yes or no decision
so need to be accounted for.
Abstain – 1
Against – 0
In favour – 9 Motion carried
5th December 2020 NSC meeting – Agenda item 7
Propose that when discussions diverge away from the agenda item, the Chair can clarify with the sharer the new discussion point and raise it as an independent AOB item added to the end of the meeting or a sub-
committee to discuss the item and report back to the NSC.
Abstain – 2
Against – 0
In favour – 8 Motion carried
9:30am – 2:30pm (PDT)
5:30 – 10:30pm (GMT)
Hosted by The Transatlantic CoDA Royale Committee & Codependence Matters
Co-Founders of CoDA, and CoDA speakers from all over the world
Join meeting
Zoom meeting: 876 1635 5527
Password: 861572Tradition Seven: https://paypal.me/codamom
Postponed – in need of service
We need people to
– prepare the script
– be host, co host,
– give chairs
Without support – we will have to rely on US teams – who just started running Sponsorship workshops
CoDA UK Sponsorship Committee will host a Zoom Sponsorship workshop
Saturday 15th April 2023, 4-6pm UK time (8-10am Pacific time) (doors open half an hour before)
This workshop will have shares on being a sponsor, sponsee and co-sponsoring. It is an introduction to the various ways of sponsorship, not necessarily the place where you will find a sponsor. People will share how they found a sponsor. You have to do your part. Finding a sponsor is an active process within Recovery. We have to investigate our own route to acquiring a sponsor through attending weekly meetings, doing service in a home group and joining WhatsApp groups (see below).
This event will be limited to the first 100 people who log-in. No registration is needed.
These workshops have not to date exceeded the maximum number of participants, so you should be able to join easily. The link below will be valid on the day.
The meeting will open at 3.30 for a 4.00 start.
To make the most of this interactive workshop we suggest that you join using a laptop, desktop or tablet device with your video on so we can all see each other, see the readings and have access to the chat box.
Please remember you can save the materials in the chat box by clicking on the three dots to the right at the bottom of chat. Choose “save chat”. Text document saved in your documents folder. Separate folder called Zoom.
NB: WE ARE SEEKING FELLOWS TO SHARE AS BELOW
If you’re willing to do a Chair, please email sponsorship@codauk.org by Jan 7th.
Topic: Quarterly Sponsorship Workshop
Time: Saturday April 15th, 2023 16:00 LondonMeeting ID: 873 1053 7470
Passcode: TraditionsIf you are dialling in on a phone, please use Passcode: 4065603071
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kes4NVI4qX
P.S. We encourage you to read the “Sponsorship: What’s in it for me” booklet before attending which you can purchase from codaliterature.co.uk.
This is the script for the workshop:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/108T5UZzJFnH1eG-fzwjbq194Ec3j3iGR/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114565587872001819077&rtpof=true&sd=true
Web page on Sponsorship:
https://coda.org/outreach/connecting-members/sponsorship/
https://coda.org/outreach/supporting-members/working-the-twelve-steps/step-study-group/
Read Chapter 5 in the Coda Blue Book.
Sponsorship Brochure:
http://coda.org/default/assets/File/Literature/Sponsorship%20Brochure.pdf
Resources for Sponsors:
http://outreach.coda.org/index.cfm/connecting-members/sponsorship/resources-for-sponsors/
Working the Steps in a Group v4
http://coda.org/default/assets/File/Literature/Working%20the%20Steps%20in%20a%20Group%20v4.pdf
Safeguarding Policy
http://coda-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Fellowship-meeting-Safeguarding-Policy-Aug-2019.docx
Safeguarding:
https://codauk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Fellowship-meeting-Safeguarding-Policy-Aug-2019.docx
The LSER’s next online workshop is on Saturday 8th April, 1.30 to 3.30. This will include:
Zoom Meeting ID: 869 4214 8390
Passcode: 318012
Doors open at 1.15pm
10.30am to 6.30pm UK time (GMT)
Join zoom meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3100599324
ID: 310 059 9324
Password: 917411No pre-registration necessary. Capacity 100. Doors open 10.15am.
The schedule for the day is as follows:
10.30am to 12.00: Mtg 1 – Communication and Recovery
12.00 to 1.00pm: lunch break
1.00 to 2.30pm: Mtg 2 – Speaker Meeting
2.30 to 3.00pm: break
3.00 to 4.30pm: Mtg 3 – Establishing Boundaries in Recovery
4.30 to 5.00pm: break
We remain online during all the breaks; please feel free to stay and chat.
5.00 to 6.15pm: Open get-together for people to share or perform songs, poems, jokes, talents, magic tricks etc.….this will be an opportunity to have fun and share in a different way, or to just be there and enjoy the fellowship.
6.15 to 6.30pm: Closing.
This convention complies with CoDA UK approval guidelines: CoDA Traditions are observed and only CoDA approved literature is read or available for sale.
Saturday 18th February 2023, 4-6pm UK time (8-10am Pacific time) (doors open half an hour before)
This is a new venture and will be focusing on Step and Power of 5 groups and defining the difference between the two. There are currently a lot of people doing service on Power of 5 groups both here and in the States.
This event will be limited to the first 100 people who log-in. No registration is needed.
These workshops have not to date exceeded the maximum number of participants, so you should be able to join easily. The link below will be valid on the day.
The meeting will open at 3.30 for a 4.00 start.
To make the most of this interactive workshop we suggest that you join using a laptop, desktop or tablet device with your video on so we can all see each other, see the readings and have access to the chat box.
Please remember you can save the materials in the chat box by clicking on the three dots to the right at the bottom of chat. Choose “save chat”. Text document saved in your documents folder. Separate folder called Zoom.
Topic: Quarterly Sponsorship Workshop
Time: Saturday Feb 18, 2023 16:00 LondonMeeting ID: 823 3401 7308
Passcode: TraditionsIf you are dialling in on a phone, please use Passcode: 4065603071
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kes4NVI4qX
P.S. We encourage you to read the “Sponsorship: What’s in it for me” booklet before attending which you can purchase from codaliterature.co.uk.
Web page on Sponsorship:
https://coda.org/outreach/connecting-members/sponsorship/
https://coda.org/outreach/supporting-members/working-the-twelve-steps/step-study-group/
Read Chapter 5 in the CoDA Blue Book.
Sponsorship Brochure:
http://coda.org/default/assets/File/Literature/Sponsorship%20Brochure.pdf
Resources for Sponsors:
http://outreach.coda.org/index.cfm/connecting-members/sponsorship/resources-for-sponsors/
Working the Steps in a Group v4
http://coda.org/default/assets/File/Literature/Working%20the%20Steps%20in%20a%20Group%20v4.pdf
Safeguarding Policy
http://coda-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Fellowship-meeting-Safeguarding-Policy-Aug-2019.docx
Safeguarding:
https://codauk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Fellowship-meeting-Safeguarding-Policy-Aug-2019.docx
Sponsored by – World CoDA Outreach Committee
Saturday, February 11, 2023: 4pm-7:30pm (GMT)
The workshop is sponsored by the World CoDA Outreach Committee and will provide information and encouragement for sponsors and sponsees.
Step Twelve
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other codependents, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Current CoDA sponsors and sponsees will share their experience, strength and hope regarding sponsorship.
Open share will allow participants to share their experience, strength, and hope and ask questions about sponsorship.
If you would like to be a sponsor, or are looking for a sponsor, this workshop with the World CoDA fellowship will be useful.
Registration will occur through Eventbrite. Donations welcomed.
https://coda.org/event/sponsorship-workshop/
Registration required – via Eventbrite
Email myphilacoda@comcast.net if you have queries
CoDA UK is holding its next business meeting which is open to members from all the national meetings and representatives of regional groups. This meeting will be the AGM, which we haven’t held for a couple of years, and all members are invited to join us to hear and discuss annual reports from all areas of service work, and to join in fellowship afterwards.
Join us online/by phone to discuss national CoDA business and hear how service in CoDA UK happens. NSC Committee Members and Group Service Representatives (GSRs) are able to vote on any motions proposed. There will be time for questions about the NSC and any aspect of service and our work in the fellowship time after the main meeting ends at 3pm. You can read more about service on the NSC here.
The meeting will follow the successful recent format, with 30 second shares from each member before a vote is taken, if one is required. Please note that there may not be enough time in the meeting to go through any written reports in detail so we ask all members to come prepared, having read the reports and agenda items in advance, so that we have time for questions, and sharing and reflection during each agenda item.
Please note, the minute taker will record any votes and actions, which we will review at the end of the meeting. Any references to individuals are on a first name basis only. If you do not wish to be mentioned by name in the minutes, please make this clear to the minute taker.
There is no requirement to attend the whole meeting – feel free to drop in at any time during the day. We ask that you put your name and home group (if you have one) in the chat, and please mention if you’re a GSR so we can keep track of the voting entity for any items which require a vote.
Important point – please read through the attached reports before attending the meeting. We have a lot of business to attend to and there may not be time to go through every report in detail during the meeting, so it’s important that members have some understanding of what’s being discussed in advance – especially those who can vote (NSC committee members, GSRs and anyone voted by their group to be acting GSR for the day).
Reports for 2023 – AGM
Agenda for 2023 – AGM (pdf)
Notes from Nov 2022 – meeting
Please join the zoom call just before 10am or drop in any time
Join Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 857 1637 8916
Password: 874688
Or dial on one of the numbers below
+44 330 088 5830, +44 131 460 1196 , +44 20 3481 5237,
+44 20 3481 5240, +44 20 8080 6591, +44 20 8080 6592
Everyone is welcome to join, so please do share this communication at your groups.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at communications@codauk.org.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 4th February.
| Agenda Item | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Welcome, moment’s silence, Preamble, 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, 12 Service Concepts and sharing guidelines. Reminder of 30 second time out with serenity prayer if anyone requests. Appointment of a spiritual timekeeper. (20 mins) | 10.00 | 10.20 |
| 2. Introductions and Feelings check in (15 mins) Individual only, i.e. not service, subcommittee or group reports – if any groups wish to raise questions, please do so in AOB, item 9. Establish voting entity | 10.20 | 10.35 |
| 3. November NSC Minutes (5 mins) Minutes attached. Are there any questions arising? Any updates? | 10.35 | 10.40 |
| 4. Subcommittee & service areas Reports, updates and any plans for year ahead (including any budget requirements) from members in service 30 second timed shares following verbal summary of reports | ||
| 4a. Sponsorship Committee (15 mins) Report attached at page 1 ACTION from last NSC: The Sponsorship Committee will consider: – guidance for sponsees on where they can look for support. – concern about sponsors being able to sponsor from Step 5 but may not have enough recovery. and come back with any future proposals. These actions will be picked up by the new sponsorship committee. | 10.40 | 10.55 |
| 4b. Member Networks/CoDA Outreach groups (15 mins) No report as no-one in service at the NSC | 10.55 | 11.10 |
| 4c. Literature (5 mins) No report as no-one in service at the NSC | 11.10 | 11.15 |
| 4d. PLI (15 mins) Decision to be taken on renewals in 2023 and beyond. ACTION from last NSC: Questions raised for Rochelle to look into and this item will be brought back to NSC if required. | 11.15 | 11.30 |
| 4e. Website & Meetings; 4f Comms (15 mins) Report attached page 2-3 | 11.30 | 11.45 |
| 15-minute break (may be moved if earlier timings change) | 11.45 | 12.00 |
| 4g. Public Information (15 mins) Report and proposals attached page 4-5 Proposal 1: Introduce formal support/budget, so that the PI Committee can send Conference-endorsed book samples to institutions expressing interest in starting CoDA meetings in facilities. Proposal 2: To agree a figure to introduce formal support/budget, so that the PI Committee can attend recovery events to take Conference materials and present CoDA ESH to professional teams. Decisions on finances will be taken during the Treasury report section | 12.00 | 12.15 |
| 4h. CoDA Teen (5 mins) no report as no-one in service at the NSC | 12.15 | 12.20 |
| 4i. North Region (15 mins) report attached at page 6 | 12.20 | 12.35 |
| 4j. London South East Region (5 mins) report attached at page 6 | 12.35 | 12.40 |
| 5. CoDA Service Conference information attached at page 7 – What is CSC and why do NSC send Delegates? (5 mins) – Need to vote for 2 CSC Delegates and an alternate to be our Voting Entity (VE) for 2023 (10 mins) – Report from last year’s CSC | 12.40 | 12.55 |
| 6. CoDA UK Treasury Report (45 mins) report attached pages 8-10 ACTIONS from last NSC: a) Treasurer to include a recommendation on 7th Tradition donations from NSC at each AGM (large excess at present) – discussion and vote required (b) A sub-group will form to look into setting up a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with Rochelle: Emma, Philip, Gillian, Hil, Sam and report back to the next meeting. A WhatsApp/email group will be set up to take this forward. Concerns raised on GDPR, Safeguarding Commission reporting – sub-group need to look into this and report back. Minutes from committee meeting 19-1-23 are attached at Appendix B pages 11-12 (c) PayPal account and written guide, ‘How To Set up an Anonymous PayPal Account’. A short and long guide to this are attached at Appendix B pages 13-14 | 12.55 | 1.40 |
| 15-minute break (may be moved if earlier timings change) | 1.40 | 1.55 |
| 7. Service positions vacant (25 mins) Discussion if needed; votes Key positions vacant: – Literature Secretary – Meetings List Coordinator – Sponsorship Rep & Committee Members – Vice Chair – CSC Delegates – General NSC Members, including email responders, internal comms people, website coordinators (including volunteers to develop the service pages), public information team and more. All available positions, including shared ones: https://codauk.org/nsc-service-positions/ | 1.55 | 2.20 |
| 8. Agenda items 30 second timed shares No additional agenda items have been received for this meeting | ||
| 9. Any Other Business (20 mins) If no time to cover all items of AOB, please submit to next NSC meeting in May | 2.20 | 2.40 |
| 10. Agree actions onscreen so minutes can be circulated straight away (10 mins) | 2.40 | 2.50 |
| 11. Confirm date of next meeting (5 mins) Sunday 7th May, 1-5pm (or Saturday 6th May (Coronation Day) or Saturday 13th May) | 2.50 | 2.55 |
| 12. Close – (5 mins) Promises and long form Serenity Prayer | ||
| All are welcome to stay on the call for fellowship and questions about NSC service. We can set up breakout rooms if members would like to chat in smaller groups about different aspects of service. | 3.00 | 4.00 |
Previous meeting minutes are published here.
The following agreed proposals from recent NSC meetings may guide us in our service:
20th March 2021 NSC meeting
Agenda item 1 – That the minutes to NSC meetings be limited to the proposals/votes only and relevant committee member’s reports detailing business information e.g. Treasurer’s Report/PI/Hospitals and Institutions.
The minutes will include ‘dissenting voices’ which will be specifically relayed to the secretary after the vote; the comments will be attributed to the member who made them.
Abstain – 0
Against – 0
In favour – 15 Motion carried
5th December 2020 NSC meeting
Agenda item 15 – For this and the next NSC meeting we go with a majority vote i.e. the total of the in-favour votes is greater than the sum of the against and abstentions. The total of the votes is based on how many people are in the meeting and eligible to vote. Abstentions are made as members don’t have the confidence to make a yes or no decision
so need to be accounted for.
Abstain – 1
Against – 0
In favour – 9 Motion carried
5th December 2020 NSC meeting – Agenda item 7
Propose that when discussions diverge away from the agenda item, the Chair can clarify with the sharer the new discussion point and raise it as an independent AOB item added to the end of the meeting or a sub-
committee to discuss the item and report back to the NSC.
Abstain – 2
Against – 0
In favour – 8 Motion carried
CoDA UK Sponsorship Committee will host a Zoom Sponsorship workshop
Sunday 22nd January 2023, 4-6pm UK time (8-10am Pacific time) (doors open half an hour before)
This workshop will have shares on being a sponsor, sponsee and co-sponsoring. It is an introduction to the various ways of sponsorship, not necessarily the place where you will find a sponsor. People will share how they found a sponsor. You have to do your part. Finding a sponsor is an active process within Recovery. We have to investigate our own route to acquiring a sponsor through attending weekly meetings, doing service in a home group and joining WhatsApp groups (see below).
This event will be limited to the first 100 people who log-in. No registration is needed.
These workshops have not to date exceeded the maximum number of participants, so you should be able to join easily. The link below will be valid on the day.
The meeting will open at 3.30 for a 4.00 start.
To make the most of this interactive workshop we suggest that you join using a laptop, desktop or tablet device with your video on so we can all see each other, see the readings and have access to the chat box.
Please remember you can save the materials in the chat box by clicking on the three dots to the right at the bottom of chat. Choose “save chat”. Text document saved in your documents folder. Separate folder called Zoom.
NB: WE ARE SEEKING FELLOWS TO SHARE AS BELOW
If you’re willing to do a Chair, please email sponsorship@codauk.org by Jan 7th.
Topic: Quarterly Sponsorship Workshop
Time: Sunday Jan 22, 2023 16:00 LondonMeeting ID: 873 1053 7470
Passcode: TraditionsIf you are dialling in on a phone, please use Passcode: 4065603071
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kes4NVI4qX
P.S. We encourage you to read the “Sponsorship: What’s in it for me” booklet before attending which you can purchase from codaliterature.co.uk.
This is the script for the workshop:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/108T5UZzJFnH1eG-fzwjbq194Ec3j3iGR/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114565587872001819077&rtpof=true&sd=true
Web page on Sponsorship:
https://coda.org/outreach/connecting-members/sponsorship/
https://coda.org/outreach/supporting-members/working-the-twelve-steps/step-study-group/
Read Chapter 5 in the Coda Blue Book.
Sponsorship Brochure:
http://coda.org/default/assets/File/Literature/Sponsorship%20Brochure.pdf
Resources for Sponsors:
http://outreach.coda.org/index.cfm/connecting-members/sponsorship/resources-for-sponsors/
Working the Steps in a Group v4
http://coda.org/default/assets/File/Literature/Working%20the%20Steps%20in%20a%20Group%20v4.pdf
Safeguarding Policy
http://coda-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Fellowship-meeting-Safeguarding-Policy-Aug-2019.docx
Safeguarding:
https://codauk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Fellowship-meeting-Safeguarding-Policy-Aug-2019.docx
Saturday 14th January, 1.30-3.30pm
– open to all CoDA members
– run by the London & South East Region
Will include:
Please note, due to lack of service the LSER does not currently function as a committee, but plans to run these workshops every three months.
Zoom Meeting ID: 870 1827 1005
Passcode: 493850Doors open 1.15pm
Full Agenda – PDF
The Twelve Service Concepts – Alive Strong (coda.org)
Updates made – November 2022 – by NSC & Sponsorship committees – indicated with asterix
Background
The Disclosure and Barring Service and Scottish Government have confirmed that fellowship members do not require DBS or Disclosure Scotland check for 12th Stepping or Sponsorship, as they are members of self-regulating groups. As individuals, however, fellowship members should be aware of their duty of care to others and hence follow the law and best practice on safeguarding, when acting in the fellowship’s name.
This guidance has been updated following recent high-profile cases in the wider charity sector which have prompted the need to review and further strengthen safeguarding standards within the Fellowship.
The basic principle
Everyone should recognise that all individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation and identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm and abuse.
Who the guidance protects?
This Guidance applies to the safeguarding of all fellowship members or those who fellowship members encounter when acting in the fellowship’s name, including those under the age of 18 (minor) or any vulnerable adults who may be members of the fellowship.
Disseminating best practice
It is suggested that a copy of a version of this Guidance should be available at each meeting and copies can be obtained on request for every new (and existing) fellowship member. Also reference to the existence of a safeguarding policy could be mentioned in the script?
It is vital that all Group Secretaries understand and learn about safeguarding and protection issues within the context of the fellowship in order to ensure a safe environment for members and those who members encounter when acting in the fellowship’s name.
New members
Meetings with new members to the fellowship:
Sponsors
Fellowship members are not legally required to obtain a DBS Certificate in order to act as a Sponsor.
However, Sponsors are encouraged to consider their legal and moral responsibility to themselves, prospective sponsees, and the fellowship when considering whether accepting a particular sponsee is in the best interest of those involved.
Reporting safeguarding concerns
If any fellowship member believes they are being abused or knows/suspects that another fellowship member is being abused/abusing someone else, they should consider taking the following action(s), as appropriate:
Preserve any evidence
Report all concerns to the:
Group Secretary and/or any Group member;
Local Authority Adult Social Care team (about a vulnerable adult); and/or
Local Authority Children’s Services team (about a minor)
In an emergency, if there is immediate risk of abuse call 999.
If there is any doubt about whether a situation amounts to abuse, members of the group should ask the advice of their Local Authority Safeguarding Lead.
The CoDA UK North and Regions intergroup committee invites you to attend the upcoming interim business meeting on the 19th November 2022 10:30 – 12:30 on Zoom.
Zoom details for each meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85208910153?pwd=NjZSd1VnMGVBcWVNTGJoaG1xc1JoUT09Meeting ID: 852 0891 0153
For any further information northregion@codauk.org
Passcode: 176130
During the meeting on 22nd October we appointed many new service roles, including:
It was also decided that any meetings outside of the current UK LSER (London and South East Region) are welcome to join this intergroup.
All are welcome to join us, GSRs and members alike, to discuss retreats, events, services for members, and representing the voice of CoDA UK members at the CoDA service conference.
This meeting will be in part to help set the agenda for the regular January 2023 intergroup business meeting and moving to running the business meeting in the morning with a workshop in the afternoon reading CoDA literature.
We hope you can join us and together we can provide ever greater service to CoDA members.
CoDA UK is holding its next business meeting which is open to members from all the national meetings and representatives of regional groups.
Join us online/by phone to discuss national CoDA business. NSC Committee Members and Group Service Representatives (GSRs) are able to vote on any motions proposed.
The meeting will follow the successful recent format, with 30 second shares from each member before a vote is taken, if one is required. Please note that there may not be enough time in the meeting to go through any written reports in detail so we ask all members to come prepared, having read the reports and agenda items in advance, so that we have time for questions, and sharing and reflection during each agenda item.
Please note, the minute taker will record any votes and actions, which we will review at the end of the meeting. Any references to individuals are on a first name basis only. If you do not wish to be mentioned by name in the minutes, please make this clear to the minute taker.
Please join the zoom call just before 1pm
Join Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 857 1637 8916
Password: 874688
Or dial on one of the numbers below
+44 330 088 5830, +44 131 460 1196 , +44 20 3481 5237,
+44 20 3481 5240, +44 20 8080 6591, +44 20 8080 6592
Everyone is welcome to join, so please do share this communication at your groups.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at communications@codauk.org.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 5th November.
| Agenda Item | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Welcome, moment’s silence, Preamble, 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, 12 Service Concepts and sharing guidelines. Reminder of 30 second time out with serenity prayer if anyone requests. Appointment of a spiritual timekeeper. (20 mins) | 1.00 | 1.20 |
| 2. Introductions and Feelings check in (individual only, i.e. not service, subcommittee or group reports) (15 mins) If any groups wish to bring reports or questions, please raise them at item 10. AOB is at item 11. | 1.20 | 1.35 |
| 3. Request for a member to take minutes Establish voting entity (5 mins) | 1.35 | 1.40 |
| 4. Matters arising from August NSC minutes Minutes attached. Are there any questions arising? Any updates? Draft Mission statement of NSC – vote required for this to be uploaded to the website – please read supporting document attached: NSC Members Guidelines 2022 draft (updated following last NSC – amendments are in red) (15 mins) | 1.40 | 1.55 |
| 5. Treasury report (30 mins) Report and addendum Questions for Treasurer from last NSC: i). What is the NSC’s prudent reserve and when did CoDA UK NSC last make a 7th tradition donation? ii). How does 2022 compare to 2018 donations? iii). Is there any information on the possible outstanding debt to CoDA Literature? Carried forward from last NSC – Charitable status – update Carried forward from last NSC – meeting funding (startup-up or return to face-to-face) | 1.55 | 2.25 |
| 6. Reports and updates from members in service preferably circulate in advance, or brief verbal bullet points only and any questions arising from these (5 mins each) | ||
| 6a. Sponsorship Committee – Report attached Results of group conscience regarding safeguarding issue discussed at last NSC – and proposal that these statements be added to the CoDA Safeguarding Policy Document (votes required): 1. Sponsors do not ever give advice on medication in any circumstances, even if they are trained professionals. The only person who can give advice on medication is the sponsee’s own medical professional. 2. That only CoDA Approved Literature be used in sponsoring. (15 minutes) | 2.25 | 2.40 |
| 6b. Member Networks/CoDA Outreach Groups – no report this meeting | ||
| 6c. Literature – no report this meeting | ||
| 6d. PLI – Report attached i). Update on insurance policy ii). Does the previous proposal (cover all UK meetings) still need discussing at a future NSC? | 2.40 | 2.50 |
| 6e. Website & meetings list– no report this meeting | ||
| 6f. Comms – no report this meeting | ||
| 6g. Public Information – no report this meeting | ||
| 6h. CoDA Teen – no report this meeting | ||
| 6i. North Region – report attached | ||
| 6j. London & South East Region – report attached | ||
| 10-minute break (may be moved if earlier timings change) | 2.50 | 3.00 |
| 7. CoDA Service Conference update (20 mins) Written report to follow | 3.00 | 3.20 |
| 8. Service positions vacant (10 mins) Discussion if needed; votes Key positions vacant: – Secretary – Literature Secretary – Public Liability Insurance All available service positions, including shared ones: https://codauk.org/nsc-service-positions/ | 3.20 | 3.30 |
| 9. Agenda items , carried forward from last NSC or newly submitted 30 second timed shares | ||
| 9a. Proposal from LSER on 7th Tradition Funds See also written report from LSER. Vote required. 1. Request that the NSC takes over the LSER bank account again and holds the remaining £3000 as a reserve for such time as the LSER resumes as a committee. (15 minutes) | 3.30 | 3.45 |
| 9b. Proposal from Treasurer on Paypal Request attached. 1. For the NSC to have a Paypal account into which groups may pay their donations, and out of which a Zoom account can be serviced by direct debit. – To connect the Paypal account to the bank account – To name the Paypal account: NSC Treasurer CoDA UK. Not to add a DONATE button on the webpage, so as not to invite rogue / member / non-group donations 2. Write a guide “How To Set up an Anonymous PayPal Account”, which could be published onto the website, or not, if groups want guidance. | 3.45 | 4.00 |
| 9c. NSC meetings in 2023 And whether to hold an AGM (15 minutes) | 4.00 | 4.15 |
| 10. Any Other Business (30 minutes) | 4.15 | 4.45 |
| 11. Agree actions on screen so minutes can be circulated straight away. (10 minutes) | 4.45 | 4.55 |
| 12. Date of next meeting – n/a, to be decided at 9c | 4.20 | 4.35 |
| 13. Close. Promises and long form Serenity Prayer (5 minutes) | 4.55 | 5.00 |
Previous meeting minutes are published here.
The following agreed proposals from recent NSC meetings may guide us in our service:
20th March 2021 NSC meeting
Agenda item 1 – That the minutes to NSC meetings be limited to the proposals/votes only and relevant committee member’s reports detailing business information e.g. Treasurer’s Report/PI/Hospitals and Institutions.
The minutes will include ‘dissenting voices’ which will be specifically relayed to the secretary after the vote; the comments will be attributed to the member who made them.
Abstain – 0
Against – 0
In favour – 15 Motion carried
5th December 2020 NSC meeting
Agenda item 15 – For this and the next NSC meeting we go with a majority vote i.e. the total of the in-favour votes is greater than the sum of the against and abstentions. The total of the votes is based on how many people are in the meeting and eligible to vote. Abstentions are made as members don’t have the confidence to make a yes or no decision
so need to be accounted for.
Abstain – 1
Against – 0
In favour – 9 Motion carried
5th December 2020 NSC meeting – Agenda item 7
Propose that when discussions diverge away from the agenda item, the Chair can clarify with the sharer the new discussion point and raise it as an independent AOB item added to the end of the meeting or a sub-
committee to discuss the item and report back to the NSC.
Abstain – 2
Against – 0
In favour – 8 Motion carried
Help wanted to assist with developing our meetings offering on the website
We’re looking for fellows to assist with developing the ‘How to Start a Meeting’ and ‘No Meeting in Your Area?’ sections of the website. You may have good editing or writing skills, or more technical skills, but an enthusiasm for carrying the message is all that’s required. We’re also looking for someone with WordPress skills who can help to develop a technical aspect of the meetings list.
As part of this development work, we’re collecting sample meeting scripts to share as part of a meeting start up pack. There are lots of different meeting formats in the UK fellowship, both online and in person, and we invite groups to send in your scripts for sharing as part of this process.
Please email them to meetings@codauk.org where a fellow is waiting to anonymise them and turn them into downloadable templates on the new meetings page.