A few quotes from the BCA website which explains who they are and the relationship with regional councils;
"The British Caving Association is the national body for underground exploration in the United Kingdom. It represents individuals and groups with a genuine interest in caves, karst and associated phenomena, whether from a strictly sporting viewpoint, a scientific viewpoint, or a combination of both.
Through its democratic structure and Regional Councils it will: ..... (list omitted)
The Regional Caving Councils deal with various functions on behalf of BCA, such as Conservation & Access works, Access Permits etc. The various officers of the Councils are also members of the relevant BCA Special Committees."
In my experience regional councils can, and do, act with a reasonable amount of autonomy. I'm fairly sure that at the inception of BCA all the regional councils will have voted to accept the new national structure and their role within it. That must mean accepting the democratic process, the constitution and BCA policies which come from it. I presume there is always the option of leaving and declaring independence if there is something so onerous a RC cannot live with it.
Regional councils are funded by BCA (in the main). Admin, including venue hire, stationary, postage, phone bills travel expenses etc. C&A, all sorts of access costs, gates, stabilising entrances, peppercorn rents, promoting conservation etc. Some publications, website, insurance. Training grants and equipment such as resin anchors.
So what about the bit in the constitution at 11.1. The Association shall not interfere in the affairs of a Member unless specifically requested to do so by that Member.
What if a council was in breach of this guiding principle of the constitution.
4.7. That the Association will make its services available to all sections of the sporting community. There will be no discrimination on grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation, creed, colour, occupation, religion or political opinion.
Or just ignored BCA policies of the type accepted at the last AGM. Do the BCA just do nothing or do they have to take some form of action?