Kennington Community Forum Constitution
Name
1. The name of the community forum will be Kennington Community
Forum.
Objects and Functions
2. The objects and functions of Kennington Community Forum (KCF)
will be:
- To find out and represent the needs and aspirations of the
community and to lobby and work with private, statutory and
voluntary bodies to take any action as appropriate.
- To promote community spirit within the KCF boundaries.
- To be a means whereby the community is able to voice opinions
on local matters, which affect their lives and wellbeing.
- To raise and hold money and other resources necessary for
fulfilment of the above, including grant funding.
- To be non-party in politics and non-sectarian.
- To promote well being and quality of life throughout the
community area.
- To do anything intended or likely to further the above.
Membership
3. Participation in the KCF is open to all residents
and stakeholders within the community area, stakeholders being
groups with a legitimate interest including but not limited to
tenants associations, community associations, WI, Neighbourhood
Watch coordinators, and schools. In case of doubt the KCF committee
to be known as Kennington Core Group shall determine whether any
organisation is a stakeholder for the purpose of this
constitution.
4. Any such resident or a representative of any other
participant over the age 18 can stand for election to the Core
Group which will consist of at least a chair, treasurer and
secretary. The KCF may elect other officers
and members to the Core Group up to a maximum of 12.
5. No membership fee or subscription will be charged for members
of the Core Group, but members shall sign a Members Register on
election.
6. The first Core Group members to be listed and sign the
attached sheet.
7. The Core Group shall have the power to co-opt an individual
or individuals
to serve as a member of the Core Group.
8. The Core Group shall have the power to approve the formation
and continuance of sub-groups. Members of the sub-groups must be
members of the Core Group.
9. The Core Group may invite local Councillors, advisors,
professionals and members of the public to address or attend
meetings of the KCF and Core Group,
depending on the matter to be discussed. Such individuals are not
allowed to vote but can support and advise the KCF and Core Group.
Ordinary Meetings
10. The KCF will be promoted widely
within the community area and hold regular meetings. It will be as
democratic and open about its business as possible. It will keep
written records and minutes of all meetings. The minutes will be
presented to the next meeting for approval. Any resident of the
community area has the right to see any minutes of KCF and Core Group
meetings.
11. Standing Orders to be made by the Core Group for all matters
not set out in this Constitution.
12. At least 4 members of the Core Group must be present in
order to take a decision on behalf of the KCF. The KCF and Core Group aim to
work by consensus but where this is not possible, decisions will be
taken by majority vote (other than changes to this
constitution).
13. The Core Group to decide on any dispute regarding this
Constitution or any Standing Order.
Annual General Meeting
14. Once each year the KCF will hold an Annual
General Meeting.
15. Written notice and an opportunity to nominate people to
office on the Core Group will be advertised within the community
area.
16. At this meeting the existing Core Group will present a
report of the KCF’s activities including
accounts for the year, and stand down at its conclusion.
17. The officers and Core Group for the next year will have been
elected by the participants present at the AGM in accordance with
Standing Orders. Any existing Core Group member may stand for
re-election.
18. An auditor will be appointed at the AGM
19. Any amendments to the constitution must be made at the
Annual General Meeting and must be agreed by two thirds of the
participants present.
20. If nobody is willing to stand for election, the Core Group
will decide whether to start procedures to conclude the operation
of the KCF.
It is the responsibility of the existing Core Group to recruit a
new Core Group or dissolve the KCF.
Dissolution
21. The KCF may only be dissolved at
a public meeting where the future of the KCF has been clearly
publicised on the agenda in advance of the meeting. A proposal to
dissolve the KCF will only be carried if
the KCF is
unable to form a Core Group.
22. On dissolution the funds and possessions of the
KCF will be
distributed to a charity or charities operating in the community
area or nearby chosen by the public meeting.
Finance
23. The Core Group can raise money as it sees fit so long as it
is spent in line with the KCF’s objects and functions.
The Core Group will open one or more bank accounts in the name of
the KCF. Cheques must
be signed by two approved signatories. Signatories must
not be from the same household or related to each other.
The treasurer will keep any petty cash and financial records.
The Core Group must ensure independent examination of yearly
accounts prepared by the treasurer.
Opportunity For All
19. The KCF is open to residents and
stakeholders in the community area whatever their background or
experience. Remarks or behaviour that cause offence or make people
feel unwelcome will be challenged. The KCF will do its best to
overcome any obstacles to people giving their view or getting
involved in the KCF.
This webpage was updated on
9/22/2009