About us

What CHE does

For four decades CHE has been helping to change public opinion, and has been instrumental in changing society and improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

CHE submits evidence to all the relevant committees and Government enquiries — such as the Warnock Committee and the Criminal Law Revision Committee — and regularly provides information for MPs.
CHE produces books and leaflets for general use which give examples of discrimination and explain more about the aims and ideals of the campaign.
CHE provides information for students and researchers, and support and advice to its members.
CHE has organised an Annual Conference for members since 1973 and provides speakers for all kinds of meetings. Representatives of CHE are often interviewed by the press or appear on radio, television, and other media.
CHE takes part in diverse LGBT events and has provided the impetus for founding other organisations — notably the counselling service Friend (founded 1971), the Hall-Carpenter Archives, and ILGA, (the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association — founded 1978) which now has affiliated groups throughout the world.

Most of this work has been done by volunteers and CHE members. The organisation was able to employ a couple of full-time workers in the 1970s when the office was in Manchester, but had to cut its staff to one after moving to London.

Since 1985 CHE has been run entirely by volunteers, so the effectiveness of its work depends on how many people join and take an active part in campaigning.

Governance

CHE's Annual Conference (held this year on the 5^th of July) is the supreme governing body of CHE. All members are entitled to attend, and all affiliated organisations are entitled to be represented.

The Executive Committee, elected by the membership, is responsible for the day-to-day running of CHE, backed by voluntary workers. Half the places on the Executive Committee become vacant each year, so that members serve for two years after being elected. The Executive Committee elects the Secretary, Treasurer, and other Officers, and appoints the Trustees.

The rules for the governance of CHE are laid down in its Constitution. Detailed rules for the conduct of the Annual Conference are laid down in the Standing Orders.