Constitution

 

1           NAME

    The group’s name is Tavistock Area Men in Sheds.
   

2           THE AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE GROUP ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

  1. To provide a venue for men to talk and connect with others while participating in group or individual projects.
  2. To provide opportunities for friendship and socialising in a safe environment while at the same time providing the space, expertise and facilities for men to pursue hobbies, crafts and other creative activities.
  3. To undertake projects, acceptable to the group, which are of benefit to individuals, other groups and the broader community.

3          TRUSTEES

The group shall be managed by a committee of trustees who are appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the group.

4           CARRYING OUT THE PURPOSES

In order to carry out the charitable purposes, the trustees have the power to:

  • raise funds, receive grants and donation
  • apply funds to carry out the work of the group
  • co-operate with and support other charities with similar purposes
  • do anything which is lawful and necessary to achieve the purposes

5           MEMBERSHIP

The group shall have a membership.   People who support the work of the group and are aged 18 or over, can apply to the trustees to become a member.  Once accepted by the trustees, membership lasts for 3 years and may be renewed.  The trustees will keep an up-to-date membership list. All members will be required to read and sign the constitution, agreeing to be bound to the rules there in.

The trustees may remove a person’s membership if they believe it is in the best interests of the group.  The member has the right to be heard by the trustees before the decision is made and can be accompanied by a friend.

6           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 and published within 6 weeks.
  • There must be at least 5 members present at the AGM.
  • Every member has one vote.
  • The trustees shall present the annual report and accounts.
  • Any member may stand for election as a trustee.
  • Members shall elect between 3 and 10 trustees to serve for a three year period.

7          TRUSTEE MEETINGS

  • Trustees must hold at least 3 meetings each year. At their first meeting after the AGM they will elect a chair, treasurer and secretary.  Trustees may act by majority decision.
  • At least 3 trustees must be present at the meeting to be able to take decisions.  Minutes shall be kept for every meeting and published within 6 weeks.
  • 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 additional trustees. They will stand down at the next AGM.
  • The trustees may make reasonable additional rules to help run the group. These rules must not conflict with this constitution or the law.

8           MONEY AND PROPERTY

  • Money and property must only be used for the group’s purposes.
  • Trustees must keep accounts. The most recent annual accounts can be seen by anybody on request.
  • Trustees cannot receive any money or property from the group, except to refund reasonable out of pocket expenses.
  • Money must be held in the group’s bank account. All cheques must be signed by two trustees.

9           GENERAL MEETINGS

If the Trustees consider it is necessary to change the constitution, or wind up the group, they must call a General Meeting so that the membership can make the decision.  Trustees must also call a General Meeting if they receive a written request from the majority of members.  All members must be given 14 days notice and told the reason for the meeting.  All decisions require a two thirds majority.  Minutes must be kept.   

  • Winding up – any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a group with similar purposes to this one.
  • Changes to the Constitution – can be made at AGMs or General Meetings.  No change can be made that would make the organisation no longer a group. 
  • General Meeting – called on written request from a majority of members.
  • Trustees may also call a General Meeting to consult the membership

10         RULES

Ground rules which will be strictly enforced:

  1. We will not tolerate abuse, violence, anti-social behaviour or infringements of the rights of others – persons indulging in this type of behaviour will be asked to leave the Shed.
  2. Neither Alcohol nor drugs are allowed in the Shed – Any person arriving at the Shed obviously suffering from alcohol or drugs, will be invited to leave immediately and return when sober.
  3. Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous manner towards Duty Managers, Management Committee members, key holders  and other users of “The Shed” – this includes being considerate of other persons need for space, tools, materials and equipment.
  4. Each and all of the members will be responsible for implementing health and safety requirements and ensuring they are adhered to at all times. Each member is responsible for the safety of his fellow members. Everyone is a safety officer.  Fortunately it mostly calls for care and common sense. See the Health & Safety Policy for the Tavistock Area Men in Sheds.
  5. We will share learning, celebrate success and acknowledge and recognise participants.
  6. Have respect and consideration for life outside the shed.

adopted on the 6th February 2020

Twitter