​The Legal Position 
​​ACHCEW was established in 1977 under provision in the National Health Service (Re-organisation) Act 1977, and the relevant statutory instrument is SI 1977 874 as amended by SI 1977 1204.


ACHCEW's Constitution stated that its purpose was: 
  • To provide a forum for he exchange of views and for the discussion of matters of common concern  to member Councils, and when appropriate, to express views on National Health Service matters to Ministers, Government Departments or other bodies, and to publicise such views.
  • ​To provide information and advisory services reasonably required by Community Health Councils to assist them in the performance of their functions.​​
  • To promote the role, work and activities of Community Health Councils to Ministers, Government  Departments and other bodies, and to the public at large.
  • To perform such other functions as may be necessary or desirable in the interest of Community Health Councils.
Funding
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ACHCEW was made up of individual CHCs which paid an annual subscription based on their own annual budgets.  At the time of Abolition, 198 out of 204 CHCs belonged to ACHCEW.  

Additional grants from the Department of Health for running legal and training services, supplemented ACHCEW's income.
Structure
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The policy of the Association was determined by an Annual General Meeting of all  member CHCs.  Between AGMs, the business of the Association was conducted by a Standing Committee which had 3 representatives from each of the English Regions, and three from Wales, and four honorary officers (Chair, two Vice Chairs and a Treasurer).  The Standing Committee met six times each year.
Legal Position of CHCs
South East Thames Regional Health Authority
April 1978 (amended 02 September 1987)