Kernow Men’s Society Constitution
A – NAME:-
– The charity’s name is Kernow Men’s Society.
B – TRUSTEES:-
– The charity shall be managed by a committee of trustees who are appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the charity.
C- THE PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY ARE :-
– To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by providing an assortment of regular meetings and activities to engage, motivate and encourage men aged 18 and over from the St Austell and surrounding area to take part in a range of social and educational pursuits in order to help improve their well-being, to combat social exclusion and isolation and to assist them to integrate into society.
– To provide a safe environment for those men in order to engage in wide ranging conversation with fellow members in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
– For the purposes of this clause “Social Exclusion” means being excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of one or more of the following factors: Unemployment; Financial Hardship; Youth or Old Age; Ill Health (Physical or Mental).
D – CARRYING OUT THE PURPOSES:-
In order to carry out the charitable purposes, the trustees have the power to : –
– Raise funds and receive grants and donations.
– Apply funds to carry out the work of the charity.
– Co-operate with and support other charities with similar purposes.
– Do anything else which is lawful and necessary to achieve the purposes.
E – MEMBERSHIP:-
– The trustees may admit to membership any man aged 18 and over from the St Austell and surrounding area who supports the purposes of the charity. People who wish to become a member should apply to the trustees using the charity’s Membership Application Form. Membership lasts for 3 years and may be renewed. The trustees will keep an up to date membership list in accordance with the terms set out in the charity’s Privacy Policy.
– The trustees may expel someone from membership, provided it is in the best interest of the charity to do so, and they are given the right to be heard by the trustees before the decision is made. They can be accompanied by a friend.
F – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – AGM:-
– The AGM must be held every year, with 14 days’ notice given to all members telling them what is on the agenda. Minutes must be kept of the AGM.
– There must be at least 1/3 members present at the AGM.
– The trustees shall present the annual report and accounts.
– Any member may put themselves forward for election as a trustee at the AGM.
– Every member has one vote.
– Members shall elect between 3 and 10 members to be a trustee. They will retire at the next AGM and may stand for re-election.
G – TRUSTEE MEETINGS:-
– The trustees shall hold at least 3 meetings each year. They will elect a chair, treasurer and secretary at their first meeting after the AGM. Minutes shall be kept for every meeting.
– At least 3 trustees must be at a trustee meeting to be able to take decisions. Trustees may act by majority decision.
– If trustees have a conflict of interest they must declare it and leave the meeting while this matter is being discussed or decided.
– During the year, the trustees may appoint up to 2 extra trustees who will stand down at the next AGM but who will be eligible for re-election.
– The trustees may make reasonable additional rules for the proper conduct and management of the charity. These rules must not conflict with this constitution or the law.
H – MONEY AND PROPERTY:-
– Money must be held in the charity’s bank account.
– All cheques must be signed by 2 trustees.
– The trustees must keep accounts. The most recent annual accounts may be viewed by anybody upon request.
– Money cannot be used to pay trustees except to refund legitimate out of pocket expenses.
– Money and property must only be used for the purposes of the charity.
-In the event of winding-up or dissolution, any remaining property of and or money belonging to the Organization shall not be distributed among its members. Instead, it will be given to other charitable institutions with similar objectives, provided they also prohibit income and property distribution among their members to the same extent as the Organization. If this provision cannot be fulfilled, the property will go to another charitable cause.
I- GENERAL MEETINGS:-
General Meetings may be called by the trustees for the reasons stated below. A General Meeting may also be called by the trustees if they receive a written request by the majority of members to do so. All members must be given 14 days notice and told what change is proposed. Minutes of such meetings must be kept.
– Changing the Constitution – The constitution may be changed by a two thirds majority of members present and voting at a General Meeting. No amendment shall be made which would have the effect of making the charity cease to be a charity at law.
– General Meetings – to allow the members to decide on important issues.
– Winding up – the charity may be wound up by a two thirds majority of members present and voting at a General Meeting. Any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a charity with similar purposes to this one as in clause H above titled Money And Property.
J – SETTING UP THE CHARITY:-
This constitution was adopted on August 13th 2018.
The constitution was updated to reflect the new committee which was voted in during the Society’s first AGM on 1st August 2019.
The below named members constitute the charity’s trustees until the next AGM which must be held each year before the anniversary of the date of constitution ie on or before August 12th 2020 and the same date each year thereafter.
Name and Position:-
Chairman
Mark Fanning
Secretary
Peter Banwell-Clode
Treasurer
Mark Logan
