The Parkside Voice Constitution
Parkside Voice Stakeholder Group
Constitution
Name: The name of the organisation shall be Parkside Voice Stakeholder Group, hereafter known as ‘the Association’.
Location: Parkside area of Houghton Regis.
Objects: The objects of the Association shall be:
- To encourage the residents of Parkside to take a greater interest in their community and to come together to improve the social, environmental and economic well-being of the inhabitants of Parkside and surrounding area.
- To provide a forum for discussion and information exchange and to develop links with other community and voluntary organisations, and the local authorities.
Powers: In order to carry out its objects, the Association has the powers to:
- Raise funds and to invite and receive contributions through donations and grants;
- Hire equipment and premises and enter into contracts with service providers;
- Sell or dispose of property belonging to the Association;
- Employ such staff (who shall not be members of the Management Committee) as are necessary for the proper pursuits of the objects ;
- Operate a bank account and undertake all lawful financial activities necessary to the running of the Association;
- Co-operate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities operating in furtherance of the objects or of similar charitable purposes and exchange information and advice with them;
- Do all other lawful things as are necessary to achieve the Association’s objects.
Membership: Membership is open to any resident within the Parkside area who is over 18 years and interested in furthering the objects of the Association. An up-to-date register of members will be kept by the Secretary and reviewed at the AGM.
Membership is open to any person regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or creed, gender, sexuality or disability.
Only registered members will be entitled to vote. Every member shall have one vote.
A membership subscription may be laid down from time to time at the discretion of the Committee and reviewed annually.
Committee: The Association will be administered and managed by the Committee as set out in this constitution.
The committee will consist of a minimum of 3 members.
Meetings (including the AGM) shall be held at least 3 times a year. A minimum of three committee members must be present at any meeting where matters requiring a decision will be determined.
All committee members are elected for a period of one year. All committee members will retire at the AGM but may be re-elected.
Committee members will include an elected Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary.
The Association may take out and pay for Trustees’ Indemnity Insurance on behalf of committee members.
Annual General Meeting (AGM): An AGM shall be held once each calendar year. Public notice and notification to members must be given at least 21 days before the AGM.
The AGM will:
- Hear reports of the year’s work from the committee
- Receive the Treasurer’s report on the accounts for the year
- Accept the resignation of the outgoing committee
- Elect committee members for the forthcoming year
Nominations for election to the Committee must be made by members at the AGM or in writing to the Secretary at least 7 days before the meeting.
Voting at AGM: All members are entitled to vote. Voting shall be by show of hands. In the event of a tied vote the Chairperson or an appointed deputy will have a second casting vote.
Special General Meeting: The Chairperson or any two members may call a Special General Meeting to resolve a serious problem, or if a proposal is made to alter the constitution. 21 days notice to members must be given prior to a SGM.
Amendment to the Constitution: The constitution can be amended with a majority vote at the AGM or an SGM called for that purpose. Details of any proposed changes to the constitution must be sent to members with notice of the date of the meeting, 21 days before the meeting is held.
Assets/Property/Effects: These are the responsibility of the Committee at all times and the Committee shall see they are maintained in good order.
Income/Expenditure: This is the responsibility of the Treasurer and Committee. Proper accounts shall be kept and tabled at each Committee meeting and AGM. The accounting year shall run from 1 April to 31 March.
A bank account shall be opened in the name of the Association and the signature of the treasurer will be needed for cheques to be drawn on the account.
Dissolution: The Association may be dissolved if deemed necessary by the members in a majority vote at an AGM or SGM. Funds and other assets remaining after any debts or liabilities are settled shall be distributed to local charities at the Committee’s discretion.
Adoption: This constitution was adopted at the AGM of Parkside Voice Stakeholder Group, held on 28th January 2009 |
