DORCHESTER Town chiefs are looking for their club to become a Community Benefit Society (CBS) in time for the start of next season.

Work on switching to the one member, one vote system is well underway after shareholders voted in favour of the proposed change at this month’s AGM.

Progress on fulfilling a list of eight requirements set out by the FA has already been made, but there is still plenty to do before the conversion gets the green light.

“We have agreed not to rush into anything and to carry on as we are until the end of the season,” said Magpies’ director Dave Ring, who is part of an eight-man CBS steering group.

“We are then looking to have this up and running for the start of next season.

“There is an awful lot of work to do which I don’t think people realise.

“Everything is taking its course and things have got to be done right.”

Club chairman Matt Lucas, pictured, added: “We want everybody to know exactly what’s going on, that’s what it’s all about.

“Everyone has got to be aware of every step we make.

“Sometimes there will be nothing to update people on, but when something needs to be said it will be out there.”

The status of the criteria the club has to meet is as follows:

*Minutes of the meeting(s) at which the shareholders of the old company (Oldco) agreed to the transfer of football affiliations to the new company (Newco) – in progress

*An explicit undertaking in writing from Newco that they agree to take on all existing assets and liabilities of Oldco – in progress

*Final set of accounts for Oldco – to do

*Copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association for Newco through which the club wishes to trade – complete

*Business plan for Newco – in progress

*Budget and cash flow for the remainder of the 2014/15 season for Newco – Oldco will continue for 2014/15

*Confirmation in writing from the Southern League and Dorset FA that they approve the transfer of membership – in progress

*Completed Owners’ and Directors’ Test Forms for all the proposed directors of Newco – to do

On top of these, the club is awaiting the Duchy of Cornwall’s response to a letter signalling their intention to transfer the lease of the Avenue Stadium to Newco.

And the club also has to register the rules of the new model with the Financial Conduct Authority.

Under the CBS system, shares will be offered to the community on an annual subscription basis, providing an equal vote in club affairs, such as the election of the governing board.

As well as being responsible for the overall performance of the club, the board delegates the day-to-day running of the Magpies to staff and volunteers.

Meanwhile, members of the steering group, which also includes David Martin, Shaun Hearn, Adam Robertson, Paul Harris, Lloyd Spracklen, John Greenslade and Nigel Hayes, are being invited to join the current club board.

They will have the chance to become directors or act as observers of board meetings.

The next meeting of the steering group is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6.