The Executive Committee is proposing changes to the Society\u2019s constitution. The notes here outline the main changes, with the rationale for the changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The numbers below refer to the Clause in the proposed revision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Objects of the Organisation\/Society<\/strong> \u2013 a clarification of the purpose of the Society<\/p>\n\n\n\n New clause 5. Termination of membership<\/strong>. Currently the Constitution does not enable any action to be taken against those who do not comply with the Constitution. This is a new clause enables the termination of membership if members do not comply with the constitution, while allowing the Committee the ability to re-admit members, if for example, the non-compliance was inadvertent, or if the member agrees to comply in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Appointment of Executive Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6.1 Currently the Constitution expects that the Committee is made up of 12 members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposed change allows for up to<\/strong> 12 members on the Executive committee, with a minimum<\/strong> of 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6.2 Term <\/strong>We have all experienced the \u201clull\u201d as one group of Committee members stands down at the AGM, and another group of people are elected for the following year. There is a lack of continuity, effectively preventing planning beyond the current year. The proposal is to elect members for 3 year term (not 1), so that the Committee can make plans that extend beyond the current year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6.3 Maximum Term <\/strong>Currently people can stand for election repeatedly, for any number of years. It is common practice for Charites to limit the length of time people can be Committee members \u2013 usually between 5 and 9 years. The proposal is to limit the maximum term to 6 years. This ensures a regular turnover of committee members \u2013 regular new energy, aspiration and connection to a changing demographic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6.4 The proposal is to change CHAIRPERSON to CHAIR throughout, reflecting the verb rather than the gender of the person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6.4 Membership Secretary<\/strong> The Society has members, and the Society has a responsibility to account for Membership fees and to manage voting at AGMs and SGMs. We have always a \u201cmembership secretary\u201d, but this role has not been stipulated, nor has the role been defined. This clause stipulates the need for a \u201cMembership Secretary\u201d. Clause 18 defines the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Co-option by the Committee<\/strong> This clause was included in the \u201cAppointment of Executive Committee\u201d clause above. The clause refers to co-opting people with special qualifications to advise the Committee, but not become a Committee member \u2013 so the proposal is to move the clause in a more appropriate place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. Voting quorums<\/strong> The current constitution defines the minimum number of committee members who must be present at a meeting is 6, with the proviso that there are less than 6, the Chair can override this and make decisions with a lesser number \u2013 without a lower limit. The proposal is to reduce the quorum down to 4, and no lower, and allows proxy voting for those who cannot attend the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10 & 11. Annual and Special General meetings<\/strong> The proposals tighten up the process for calling an AGM and a SGM, and include communicating by email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14, 15, and 18 Duties of the President, Chair, and Membership Secretary<\/strong> Proposed new clauses, defining the duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16. Duties of the Secretary<\/strong> Proposed new duty \u2013 to maintain a register of committee members, and to stand-in if there is no Chair<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17. Duties of the Treasurer<\/strong> Proposed new duty, to assume the duties of the Membership Secretary if the Membership Secretary is indisposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposed new Constitution is available to view in two formats \u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n + one with the changes highlighted \u2013 see here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n + and the other in it\u2019s final form \u2013 see here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Executive Committee is proposing changes to the Society\u2019s constitution. The notes here outline the main changes, with the rationale for the changes. The numbers below refer to the Clause in the proposed revision. 2. Objects of the Organisation\/Society \u2013 a clarification of the purpose of the Society New clause 5. Termination of membership. Currently … Continue reading Update to the Society’s Constitution 2025<\/span>