Group Constitution - Revision history

Jacky at 15:40, 29 March 2020

2020-03-29T15:40:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:40, 29 March 2020
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	The two versions shown below are actual constitutions ~~being~~ used by Freegle groups. The second version in each section is from a constitution that has been approved by the HMRC for charitable status.		The two versions shown below are actual constitutions used by Freegle groups. The second version in each section is from a constitution that has been approved by the HMRC for charitable status.
	If you would like to adopt a constitution for your group(s) please feel free to use these below as starting points, either adopting wording as shown or selected parts that suit your group. If you would like some advice, ask on Freegle Central [http://freegle.it/Central] or the Funding Working Group [http://freegle.it/Funding]		If you would like to adopt a constitution for your group(s) please feel free to use these below as starting points, either adopting wording as shown or selected parts that suit your group. If you would like some advice, ask on Freegle Central [http://freegle.it/Central] or the Funding Working Group [http://freegle.it/Funding]

Jacky at 22:43, 11 May 2015

2015-05-11T22:43:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:43, 11 May 2015
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	The two versions shown below are actual constitutions being used by Freegle groups. The second version in each section is from a constitution that has been approved by the HMRC for charitable status.		The two versions shown below are actual constitutions being used by Freegle groups. The second version in each section is from a constitution that has been approved by the HMRC for charitable status.
	If you would like to adopt a constitution for your group(s) please feel free to use these below as starting points, either adopting wording as shown or selected parts that suit your group. If you would like some advice, ask on Freegle Central [http://freegle.it/Central] or the ~~Local~~ Funding Group [http://freegle.it/~~LocalFunding~~]		If you would like to adopt a constitution for your group(s) please feel free to use these below as starting points, either adopting wording as shown or selected parts that suit your group. If you would like some advice, ask on Freegle Central [http://freegle.it/Central] or the Funding Working Group [http://freegle.it/Funding]

	{\| style="color:black" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" border="1"		{\| style="color:black" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" border="1"

Jacky at 14:44, 21 October 2013

2013-10-21T14:44:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:44, 21 October 2013
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	The Group may be wound up at a General Meeting if a majority of those members present		The Group may be wound up at a General Meeting if a majority of those members present
	and eligible to vote agree to do so. In the event of winding up, any assets remaining,		and eligible to vote agree to do so. In the event of winding up, any assets remaining,
	after all debts have been paid, shall be distributed to other ~~property~~ constituted groups or		after all debts have been paid, shall be distributed to other properly constituted groups or
	organisations with similar aims. The majority shall be 10% of members present plus one.		organisations with similar aims. The majority shall be 10% of members present plus one.

	\|Again this is important to include. Give some thought to the amount of people needed to dissolve the group, bearing in mind that volunteers often drift away and can’t be contacted to attend a meeting.<br>		\|Again this is important to include. Give some thought to the amount of people needed to dissolve the group, bearing in mind that volunteers often drift away and can’t be contacted to attend a meeting.<br>
	There needs to be a statement of what will happen to any assets owned by the Group, again you might wish to consider not making this too restrictive so that it is hard to give them away!		There needs to be a statement of what will happen to any assets owned by the Group; again you might wish to consider not making this too restrictive so that it is hard to give them away!
	\|-		\|-
	\|12. ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION <br>		\|12. ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION <br>

Jacky at 15:00, 18 October 2013

2013-10-18T15:00:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:00, 18 October 2013
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	* To be a not for profit group.		* To be a not for profit group.
	*To prohibit the exchanging of animals, weapons and illegal items on its site.		*To prohibit the exchanging of animals, weapons and illegal items on its site.

			----

	'''Or:'''		'''Or:'''
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	* Work with similar Groups and exchange information and advice with them.		* Work with similar Groups and exchange information and advice with them.
	* Do anything that is lawful which will help it to fulfill its aims.		* Do anything that is lawful which will help it to fulfill its aims.

			----

	'''Or:'''<br>		'''Or:'''<br>
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	* Each member shall have one vote at meetings of the Group		* Each member shall have one vote at meetings of the Group
	* The membership of any member may be terminated for good reason by the Management Committee.		* The membership of any member may be terminated for good reason by the Management Committee.


			----

	'''Or:'''<br>		'''Or:'''<br>
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	* The Management Committee shall have the power to remove any member of the Committee for good and proper reason.		* The Management Committee shall have the power to remove any member of the Committee for good and proper reason.
	* The Management Committee may appoint any other member of the Group as a Committee member to fill a vacancy, provided that the maximum prescribed is not exceeded.		* The Management Committee may appoint any other member of the Group as a Committee member to fill a vacancy, provided that the maximum prescribed is not exceeded.


			----

	'''Or:'''<br>		'''Or:'''<br>
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	* Supervise the financial affairs of the Group and		* Supervise the financial affairs of the Group and
	* Keep proper accounts that show all monies received and paid out by the Group.		* Keep proper accounts that show all monies received and paid out by the Group.


			----

	'''Or:'''<br>		'''Or:'''<br>

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	c) Special General Meeting.<br>		c) Special General Meeting.<br>
	A Special General Meeting may be called by the Management Committee or 3 members to discuss an urgent matter. The Secretary shall give all members fourteen days notice of any Special General Meeting together with notice of the business to be discussed.		A Special General Meeting may be called by the Management Committee or 3 members to discuss an urgent matter. The Secretary shall give all members fourteen days notice of any Special General Meeting together with notice of the business to be discussed.


			----

	'''Or:'''<br>		'''Or:'''<br>
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	* The Group shall ensure that its accounts are independently examined every year.		* The Group shall ensure that its accounts are independently examined every year.
	* The Group may pay reasonable out of pocket expenses including travel and meal costs to members or Management Committee members.		* The Group may pay reasonable out of pocket expenses including travel and meal costs to members or Management Committee members.


			----

	'''Or:'''<br>		'''Or:'''<br>
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	\|10 ALTERATIONS TO THE CONSTITUTION<br>		\|10 ALTERATIONS TO THE CONSTITUTION<br>
	Any changes to this Constitution must be agreed by at least 5 of those members present and voting at any General Meeting.		Any changes to this Constitution must be agreed by at least 5 of those members present and voting at any General Meeting.


			----

	'''Or:'''<br>		'''Or:'''<br>
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	\|11. DISSOLUTION<br>		\|11. DISSOLUTION<br>
	The Group may be wound up at any time if agreed by 7 of those members present and voting at any General Meeting. In the event of winding up, any assets remaining after all debts have been paid shall be given to another Group under the Freegle umbrella.		The Group may be wound up at any time if agreed by 7 of those members present and voting at any General Meeting. In the event of winding up, any assets remaining after all debts have been paid shall be given to another Group under the Freegle umbrella.


			----

	'''Or:'''<br>		'''Or:'''<br>
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			----

	'''Or:''' <br>		'''Or:''' <br>

Jacky at 08:20, 11 May 2012

2012-05-11T08:20:29Z

Jacky at 08:42, 22 March 2012

2012-03-22T08:42:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:42, 22 March 2012
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	* To offer support to the Group members		* To offer support to the Group members

	\|~~The~~ section can be called Aims or Objects. They should state the reasons you exist and the parameters you are working within.		\|This section can be called 'Aims' or 'Objects'. They should state the reasons you exist and the parameters you are working within.

	In order to allow flexibility of provision in the future, groups may consider omitting a specific mention of Yahoo or other platform/access.		In order to allow flexibility of provision in the future, groups may consider omitting a specific mention of Yahoo or other platform/access.
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	\|These are the members of the constituted group (not the members of the online group) and the criteria for joining can be what you wish. Typically, for a Freegle group, that would probably mean the volunteers involved in running and/or promoting the online group. <br>		\|These are the members of the constituted group (not the members of the online group) and the criteria for joining can be what you wish. Typically, for a Freegle group, that would probably mean the volunteers involved in running and/or promoting the online group. <br>
			The first option here refers to equality of access, the second option omits that but includes it as a separate statement further down. <br>
	Although membership is ‘open to’ there would be an expectation of a joining process so that a members list can be maintained. <br>		Although membership is ‘open to’ there would be an expectation of a joining process so that a members list can be maintained. <br>
	The mention of a subscription doesn't mean it has to be implemented, but that it allows for this to happen if that works for the group in maintaining a basic level of funding.<br>		The mention of a subscription doesn't mean it has to be implemented, but that it allows for this to happen if that works for the group in maintaining a basic level of funding.<br>

Jacky at 12:08, 6 February 2012

2012-02-06T12:08:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:08, 6 February 2012
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	Most Freegle group constitutions are to form a group for the volunteers involved in running an online provision for others, they are not a constitution for the online group itself.		Most Freegle group constitutions are to form a group for the volunteers involved in running an online provision for others, they are not a constitution for the online group itself.

	Consider whether your group is just about providing an online facility for giving/receiving items, or if it might want a wider remit of promoting other environmental facilities and/or supporting the volunteers who run it.		Consider whether your group is just about providing an online facility for giving/receiving items, or if it might want a wider remit of promoting other environmental facilities and/or supporting the
			volunteers who run it.

			The term 'not for profit' is one chosen by this particular group, Freegle's affiliation requirements are that groups are 'non-profit'.

	\|-		\|-

Jacky at 09:57, 28 January 2012

2012-01-28T09:57:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:57, 28 January 2012
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	* To offer support to the Group members		* To offer support to the Group members

	\|The section can be called Aims or Objects. They should state the reasons you exist and the parameters you are working within. ~~<br>~~		\|The section can be called Aims or Objects. They should state the reasons you exist and the parameters you are working within.
	In order to allow flexibility of provision in the future, groups may consider omitting a specific mention of Yahoo or other platform/access.~~<br>~~
			In order to allow flexibility of provision in the future, groups may consider omitting a specific mention of Yahoo or other platform/access.

			Most Freegle group constitutions are to form a group for the volunteers involved in running an online provision for others, they are not a constitution for the online group itself.

	Consider whether your group is just about providing an online facility for giving/receiving items, or if it might want a wider remit of promoting other environmental facilities and/or supporting the volunteers who run it.		Consider whether your group is just about providing an online facility for giving/receiving items, or if it might want a wider remit of promoting other environmental facilities and/or supporting the volunteers who run it.

Jacky at 12:04, 26 January 2012

2012-01-26T12:04:06Z

Jacky at 11:57, 26 January 2012

2012-01-26T11:57:51Z

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:20, 11 May 2012
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	The two versions shown below are actual constitutions being used by Freegle groups. The second version in each section is from a constitution that has been approved by the HMRC for charitable status.		The two versions shown below are actual constitutions being used by Freegle groups. The second version in each section is from a constitution that has been approved by the HMRC for charitable status.
	If you would like to adopt a constitution for your group(s) please feel free to use these below as a starting ~~point~~. If you would like some advice, ask on Freegle Central [http://freegle.it/Central] or the Local Funding Group [http://freegle.it/LocalFunding]		If you would like to adopt a constitution for your group(s) please feel free to use these below as starting points, either adopting wording as shown or selected parts that suit your group. If you would like some advice, ask on Freegle Central [http://freegle.it/Central] or the Local Funding Group [http://freegle.it/LocalFunding]

	{\| style="color:black" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" border="1"		{\| style="color:black" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" border="1"
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	The name of the Group shall be XXXX and hereinafter be referred to as ‘the Group’.		The name of the Group shall be XXXX and hereinafter be referred to as ‘the Group’.

	\|Choose a name which is simple and relevant.		\|This section is required in all constitutions. Choose a name which is simple and relevant.
	\|-		\|-
	\|		\|
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	* To offer support to the Group members		* To offer support to the Group members

	\|This section can be called 'Aims' or 'Objects'. ~~They~~ should state the reasons you exist and the parameters you are working within.		\|This section can be called 'Aims' or 'Objects' and is a required part of the constitution. It should state the reasons you exist and the parameters you are working within.

	In order to allow flexibility of provision in the future, groups may consider omitting a specific mention of Yahoo or other platform/access.		In order to allow flexibility of provision in the future, groups may consider omitting a specific mention of Yahoo or other platform/access.

	Most Freegle group constitutions ~~are~~ to form a group for the volunteers involved in running an online provision for others, they are not a constitution for the online group itself.		Most Freegle group constitutions will be to form a group for the volunteers involved in running an online provision for others, they are not a constitution for the online group itself.

	Consider whether your group is just about providing an online facility for giving/receiving items, or if it might want a wider remit of promoting other environmental facilities and/or supporting the		Consider whether your group is just about providing an online facility for giving/receiving items, or if it might want a wider remit of promoting other environmental facilities and/or supporting the
	volunteers who run it.		volunteers who run it.

	The term 'not for profit' is one chosen by this particular group, Freegle's affiliation requirements are that groups are 'non-profit'.		The term 'not for profit' is one chosen by this particular group, Freegle's affiliation requirements are that groups are 'non-profit'.

	\|-		\|-
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	\|It is important to consider what your group is intending to do to fulfill its aims/objects.		\|It is important to consider what your group is intending to do to fulfill its aims/objects.

	These two examples are similar and cover the types of activities the constituted group might wish to undertake.		These two examples are similar and cover the types of activities the constituted group might wish to undertake. Make sure the powers you give your group are not too limiting; the two examples here include a final power than will allow your group to be flexible.

	\|-		\|-
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	Membership of the Group shall be open to anyone actively involved in supporting xxx Freegle in a voluntary capacity and who is willing to abide by the rules of the Group and willing to pay any subscription fee agreed by the Board of Trustees. Each member shall have one vote at General Meetings. Membership may be terminated for good reason by the Board of Trustees.		Membership of the Group shall be open to anyone actively involved in supporting xxx Freegle in a voluntary capacity and who is willing to abide by the rules of the Group and willing to pay any subscription fee agreed by the Board of Trustees. Each member shall have one vote at General Meetings. Membership may be terminated for good reason by the Board of Trustees.

	\|These are the members of the constituted group (not the members of ~~the~~ online group) and the criteria for joining can be what you wish. Typically, for a Freegle group, that would probably mean the volunteers involved in running and/or promoting the online group. <br>		\|These are the members of the constituted group (not the members of your online group) and the criteria for joining can be what you wish. Typically, for a Freegle group, that would probably mean the volunteers involved in running and/or promoting the online group. <br>
	The first option here refers to equality of access, the second option omits that but includes it as a separate statement further down. <br>		The first option here refers to equality of access, the second option omits that but includes it as a separate statement further down. <br>
	Although membership is ‘open to’ there would be an expectation of a joining process so that a members list can be maintained. <br>		Although membership is ‘open to’ there would be an expectation of a joining process so that a members list can be maintained. <br>
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	\|The name adopted for the key individuals who will administer the Group on behalf of its members can be Management Committee, Trustees, or whatever name suits. <br> The number of people involved should be manageable, so not less than 3 but up to however many would be practical to meet regularly and be quorate to make decisions. <br>		\|The name adopted for the key individuals who will administer the Group on behalf of its members can be Management Committee, Trustees, or whatever name suits. <br> The number of people involved should be manageable, so not less than 3 but up to however many would be practical to meet regularly and be quorate to make decisions. <br>
	Consider whether you might need online or telephone meetings as well as face-to-face meetings, if so a show of hands ~~only~~ won't be enough for voting.		Consider whether you might need online or telephone meetings as well as face-to-face meetings, if so a show of hands alone won't be enough for voting.
	\|-		\|-
	\|6) THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS<br>		\|6) THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS<br>

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:04, 26 January 2012
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	* To offer support to the Group members		* To offer support to the Group members

	\|The section can be called Aims or Objects. They should state the reasons you exist and the parameters you are working within.		\|The section can be called Aims or Objects. They should state the reasons you exist and the parameters you are working within. <br>
	In order to allow flexibility of provision in the future, groups may consider omitting a specific mention of Yahoo or other platform/access.		In order to allow flexibility of provision in the future, groups may consider omitting a specific mention of Yahoo or other platform/access.<br>
	Consider whether your group is just about providing an online facility for giving/receiving items, or if it might want a wider remit of promoting other environmental facilities and/or supporting the volunteers who run it.		Consider whether your group is just about providing an online facility for giving/receiving items, or if it might want a wider remit of promoting other environmental facilities and/or supporting the volunteers who run it.

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	Membership of the Group shall be open to anyone actively involved in supporting xxx Freegle in a voluntary capacity and who is willing to abide by the rules of the Group and willing to pay any subscription fee agreed by the Board of Trustees. Each member shall have one vote at General Meetings. Membership may be terminated for good reason by the Board of Trustees.		Membership of the Group shall be open to anyone actively involved in supporting xxx Freegle in a voluntary capacity and who is willing to abide by the rules of the Group and willing to pay any subscription fee agreed by the Board of Trustees. Each member shall have one vote at General Meetings. Membership may be terminated for good reason by the Board of Trustees.

	\|These are the members of the constituted group (not the members of the online group) and the criteria for joining can be what you wish. Typically, for a Freegle group, that would probably mean the volunteers involved in running and/or promoting the online group.		\|These are the members of the constituted group (not the members of the online group) and the criteria for joining can be what you wish. Typically, for a Freegle group, that would probably mean the volunteers involved in running and/or promoting the online group. <br>
	Although membership is ‘open to’ there would be an expectation of a joining process so that a members list can be maintained.		Although membership is ‘open to’ there would be an expectation of a joining process so that a members list can be maintained. <br>
	The mention of a subscription doesn't mean it has to be implemented, but that it allows for this to happen if that works for the group in maintaining a basic level of funding.		The mention of a subscription doesn't mean it has to be implemented, but that it allows for this to happen if that works for the group in maintaining a basic level of funding.<br>
	Termination of membership should be mentioned, although specific reasons needn't be detailed here if you don't choose. Both these versions state who is responsible for termination, so that empowers someone to do it, but they don't impose a method or procedure.		Termination of membership should be mentioned, although specific reasons needn't be detailed here if you don't choose. Both these versions state who is responsible for termination, so that empowers someone to do it, but they don't impose a method or procedure.
	\|-		\|-
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	* Voting at Board of Trustee meetings shall be by a show of hands or other clear indication. lf there is a tied vote, then the Chairman shall have a second vote.		* Voting at Board of Trustee meetings shall be by a show of hands or other clear indication. lf there is a tied vote, then the Chairman shall have a second vote.

	\|The name adopted for the key individuals who will administer the Group on behalf of its members can be Management Committee, Trustees, or whatever name suits. The number of people involved should be manageable, so not less than 3 but up to however many would be practical to meet regularly and be quorate to make decisions. <br>		\|The name adopted for the key individuals who will administer the Group on behalf of its members can be Management Committee, Trustees, or whatever name suits. <br> The number of people involved should be manageable, so not less than 3 but up to however many would be practical to meet regularly and be quorate to make decisions. <br>
	Consider whether you might need online or telephone meetings as well as face-to-face meetings, if so a show of hands only won't be enough for voting.		Consider whether you might need online or telephone meetings as well as face-to-face meetings, if so a show of hands only won't be enough for voting.
	\|-		\|-
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	(d) If appropriate and agreed by the Board of Trustees, a savings account may be operated as well as the main bank account.		(d) If appropriate and agreed by the Board of Trustees, a savings account may be operated as well as the main bank account.

	\|It is good safeguarding to the Group and the individuals to have at least two signatories on every cheque or electronic payment		\|It is good safeguarding to the Group and the individuals to have at least two signatories on every cheque or electronic payment. Two out of a minimum of three signatories ensures payments can be made even if one of them is not available for some reason.
	\|-		\|-
	\|9. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES<br>		\|9. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES<br>