1. Name
The name of the group shall be Friends of Ecclesall Woods
2. Aim
To preserve, investigate, protect and educate about the green space known as Ecclesall Woods.
3. Objectives
The group will fulfil the aim by:
(a) Carrying out and promoting historical and ecological investigation, environmental improvement and practical conservation
(b) Involving members in improving the area
(c) Promoting public understanding of factors affecting the ecology of the Woods, and increasing public interest in their history
(d) Work with similar groups and exchange information and advice with them
4. Powers
(a) Raise funds and receive contributions where appropriate to finance the work
(b) Publicise and promote the work
(c) Work with statutory and non statutory agencies
(d) Open bank accounts
(e) Make rules and standing orders for categories of members and their rights
(f) Take out insurance where appropriate
(g) Organise meetings, training courses and events as appropriate
(h) Take any action that is lawful, which would help it to fulfil its aims.
5. Membership
(a) Membership of Friends of Ecclesall Woods shall be open to anyone who is interested in helping the group to achieve its aim and willing to abide by the rules of the group.
(b) Every member shall have one vote at general meetings.
(c) The Management Committee shall have the power to refuse membership to an applicant, where it is considered such membership would be detrimental to the aims, purposes or activities of the group.
(d) Registration and termination of membership.
(1) Any member of the association may resign his/her membership and any representative of a member organisation or section may resign such position, by giving to the secretary of the association written notice to that effect.
(2) The Management Committee may, by resolution passed at a meeting thereof, terminate or suspend the membership of any member, if in its opinion his/her conduct is prejudicial to the interests and objects of the association, PROVIDED THAT the individual member or representative of the member organisation (as the case may be) shall have the right to be heard by the General Committee before the final decision is made. There shall be a right of appeal to an independent arbitrator appointed by mutual agreement.
6. Management
(a) Friends of Ecclesall Woods shall be administered by a Management Committee of not less than three (3) people and not more than fifteen (15) members elected at the group’s Annual General Meeting.
(b) Management Committee Members must be at least 18 years old.
(c) The officers of the Management Committee shall be:
The Chairperson
The Treasurer
The Secretary
and such other officers the group shall deem necessary
at the meeting.
(d) The Management Committee shall be accountable to members at all times.
(e) The Management Committee is empowered to co-opt any other interim members as needed, provided that the maximum number of the committee is not exceeded.
(f) Power to set up sub-groups and working parties as deemed necessary which shall be accountable to the committee.
7. Finance
(a) Any money obtained by the group shall be used only for the furtherance of the groups aims.
(b) Any bank accounts opened for the group shall be in the name of the group.
(c) The group bank account(s) shall have three signatories from the management committee, one of whom should be the treasurer.
(d) Any cheque issued shall be signed by at least two of any three nominated signatures.
(e) The Management Committee will ensure that the group stays within budget as set by the management committee.
8. Management Committee Meetings
(a) The Management Committee shall meet at least four (4) times a year.
(b) At least three (3) Management Committee members must be present for the Management Committee meeting to take place.
(c) All meetings must be minuted and available to any interested party.
(d) All committee members shall be given at least seven (7) days notice of a committee meeting unless it is deemed an emergency.
(e) Voting at Management Committee meetings shall be by show of hands on a majority basis. If there is a tied vote then the chairperson shall have a second vote.
9. Annual General Meeting
(a) Friends of Ecclesall Woods shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) at not more than 15 month intervals.
(b) Members shall be notified personally, by post or email.
(c) The business of the AGM shall include:
(1) Receiving a report from the Chairperson of the group’s activities over the year.
(2) Receiving a report and presentation of the last financial year’s accounts from the Treasurer on the finances of the group.
(3) Electing a new Management Committee and considering any other matter as may be appropriate at such a meeting.
(d) The quorum for Annual General Meeting shall be at least eight (8) persons of which no more than four (4) shall be committee members.
10. Alteration of the Constitution
(a) Proposals for amendments to this constitution, or dissolution (see Clause 12) must be delivered to the secretary in writing. The secretary in conjunction with all other officers shall then decide on the date of a forum meeting to discuss such proposals, giving at least four weeks (28 days) clear notice.
(b) Any changes to this constitution must be agreed by at least two thirds of those members present and voting at any general meeting.
11. Dissolution
The group may be wound up at any time if agreed by two thirds of those members present and voting at any general meeting. Any assets shall be returned to their providers, if they require it, or shall be given or transferred to some organisation or charity having similar Objectives, providing the financial constraints on such group are at least as stringent as those in Clause 7(a) above. This organisation or charity shall be chosen by members of Friends of Ecclesall Woods before the time of dissolution.
12. Adoption of the Constitution
This constitution was adopted by the members present at the EGM held on
16 August 2011