CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH BIODIVERSITY GROUP CONSTITUTION
The group name is Chapel-en-le-Frith Biodiversity Group hereafter described as ‘the group’.
It is an unincorporated community group.
AIM OF THE GROUP
To support and educate the community in helping biodiversity in Chapel-en-le-Frith, by protecting/improving existing habitats, creating new habitats and monitoring and documenting the biodiversity over time.
OBJECTIVES
Increase interest and enthusiasm for nature throughout the whole community as well as educate
Cultivate a thriving network of local people and organisations to improve knowledge and research
Generate a feeling of empowerment to motivate personal and community actions to achieve the aim of the group
Facilitate the delivery of practical community and private projects that benefit biodiversity and nature
POWERS
Raise funds through application to grant making bodies, and to invite and receive contributions and donations
To pay for:
services needed from other groups and persons to enable the group to achieve its objectives
appropriate venues to carry out activities
approve out-of-pocket expenses to its members, volunteers and to others who incur such expense on the group’s behalf
Take out necessary insurances
Work in partnership with other community groups, charities, local councils, local organisations, statutory agencies and the local business community to achieve the objectives
To do all other lawful things as will enable the group to achieve its aim
MEMBERSHIP
Is available without fees to anyone who lives or works in Chapel-en-le-Frith or surrounding areas and has an interest in wildlife and nature
People of any age can become members but those under 16 years of age will require parental permission to share their contact details. Persons under 16 will also need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian when out in field.
Is dependent on agreement to this Constitution and any policies on working practices agreed by the Committee
Members can vote at Annual and General Meetings
The group will only collect and securely store personal data in order to inform members of group activities or to support funding applications.
Membership of the group may be terminated for good and sufficient reason. Any person whose membership is so terminated should have the right to appeal against the decision, when they can be accompanied by a friend to a special committee meeting held for this purpose. The committee and the members can call upon other agencies to support this process.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The Committee will be responsible for:
developing the group’s strategy
prioritising projects and activities in line with their impacts and the group’s resources
looking after the group’s financial and physical assets
undertaking administrative tasks, including obtaining insurances
supporting communication, networking and publicity
ensuring accountability
ensuring management functions are robust and resilient
It will consist of between three and six people and meet at least four times per year.
Chair, vice-chair, treasurer, and secretary positions will be held by committee members who can agree to instigate other roles as necessary. The role of Chair cannot be held by the same person for more than three consecutive years.
Decisions will be made by consensus whenever possible. If consensus cannot be reached there will be a ballot with the Chair having an additional casting vote where there are equal numbers of votes cast.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Meetings will take place at least four times a year, or more frequently if three members or more agree.
Details of planned meetings will be emailed to committee members at least a week in advance.
Decisions cannot be made unless there are at least three people attending the meeting and will be accepted with a two thirds majority
Minutes of meetings will be published on-line or emailed directly to those requesting them
GENERAL MEETINGS
An Annual General Meeting will be held within 6 weeks of the end of the financial year.
Details of General and Special meetings will be provided at least two weeks before the event via social media, email and posters.
FINANCES
The group will hold a bank account.
There will be three signatories to the bank account (Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer), and any payments or other transactions must be authorised by at least two of the three signatories.
The treasurer will be responsible for managing the account and will present a summary report at each Committee Meeting and a fully audited report at the Annual General Meeting.
ALTERATIONS TO CONSTITUTION
The committee will review this constitution annually.
The Constitution will be reviewed by the members at least once every two years.
Any alterations to this constitution will need to be ratified at an Annual General Meeting or at a specially called General meeting if the changes are not unanimously agreed by all committee members.
CLOSING DOWN THE GROUP
If the committee believes the group needs to be closed down the reasons for and plans on how to accomplish this will be shared with and voted upon by the membership at a Special General Meeting, with a majority required to endorse.
In these circumstances committee officers will ensure that any assets remaining after debts have been paid will be donated to an organisation or organisations of their choice, with similar aims.
Likewise, any equipment held by the group will be offered to local community organisations.
Agreed by the Management Committee ………………………..
Review due ……………………………………….