Willesborough Community Forum Constitution
Name
1. The name of the community forum will be Willesborough
Community Forum
Objects and Functions
2. The objects and function of Willesborough Community Forum
(WCF) will be
- To find out and represent the needs and aspirations of the
community and to work with private, statutory and voluntary bodies
to take any action as appropriate.
- To promote community spirit within the WCF boundaries (the
community area as shown on the attached map).
- To be a means whereby the community is able to voice opinions
on local matters, which affect their lives and wellbeing.
- To raise money and other resources necessary for fulfilment of
the above.
- The WCF will be non-party in
politics and non-sectarian.
- To promote well being and quality of life through the
WCF.
Membership
3. Membership of the WCF is open to all
residents and stakeholders within the community area.
4. Any resident can also stand for election to the Willesborough
Community Forum Steering Group which will consist of at least a
chair, treasurer and secretary. The WCF may elect other
officers.
5. The WCF and Steering Group
may invite advisors, professionals and members of the public to
address or attend meetings of the WCF and Steering Group, depending
on the matters to be discussed. Such individuals are not allowed to
vote but can support and advise the WCF and Steering
Group.
Ordinary Meetings
6. The WCF will be promoted
widely 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 WCF and Steering Group
meetings.
7. At least 4 members of the Steering Group must be present in
order to take a decision on behalf of the WCF. The WCF and Steering 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).
Annual General Meeting
8. Once each year the Willesborough Community Forum will hold an
Annual General Meeting. Written notice of the meeting will be sent
to every household and business within the community area. At this
meeting the existing Steering Group will present a report of the
Willesborough Community Forum’s activities for the past year. Every
three years there will be an election of officers and other members
of the Steering Group, each to hold office for a period of three
years.
An office holder resigning from the Steering Group may be
replaced on the Group by the majority of the remaining Steering
Group members agreeing to his/her appointment. He/she will remain
in office until the next Annual General Meeting at which there is
an election of officers.
9. Any amendments to the constitution must be made at the Annual
General Meeting and must be agreed by two thirds of the members
present. At least 50 WCF members must be
present at the AGM for any vote to be valid.
10. If nobody is willing to stand for election, the Steering
Group will decide whether to start procedures to conclude the
operation of the WCF. It is the
responsibility of the existing Steering Group to recruit a new
Steering Group or dissolve the WCF.
Dissolution
11. The WCF may only be dissolved at a public meeting where the
future of the WCF has been clearly
publicised on the agenda in advance of the meeting. A proposal to
dissolve the WCF will only be carried
if agreed by 50 of the members present or if the WCF is unable to form a
Steering Group. On dissolution the funds of the WCF will become the
property of Ashford Borough Council who shall also be responsible
for its liabilities.
Finance
12. The WCF can raise money as it
sees fit so long as it is spent in line with the WCF’s objects and
functions. The WCF will open bank
accounts in its name and nominate three signatories (not from the
same household) for cheques. The treasurer will keep financial
records and ensure auditing of yearly accounts.
Opportunity For All
13. The WCF is open to people
resident in the community area whatever their background or
experience. Remarks or behaviour that cause offence or make people
feel unwelcome will be challenged. The WCF will do its best to
overcome any obstacles to people giving their view or getting
involved in the WCF.
This webpage was updated on
10/1/2008