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Hastings and St Leonards Seniors' Forum

Constitution

  1. Interpretations

    Throughout this constitution the following interpretations apply:-

    • "The Forum" Means Hastings and St. Leonards Seniors' Forum (HSSF)
    • "The Committee" Means the Committee as defined in this constitution
    • "Seniors" Mean anyone over 50 (fifty) years of age

  2. The Name

    The name of the organisation is Hastings and St. Leonards Seniors' Forum

  3. Mission Statement

    To give dignity to Seniors, to reinforce their feeling of self-worth and make known the benefits their life experience can bring to the community.

  4. Objects

    1. principle objects shall be to promote the welfare and interests of Seniors within the Hastings area without distinction of gender, ethnic background, disability, sexuality, religious, cultural or political beliefs.
    2. to work in partnership and liaise with organisations associated or working with Seniors in the Hastings area.
    3. provide a platform where matters of concern to Seniors can be raised and acted upon.
    4. to represent Forum members where necessary when making representations to local authorities.
    5. to promote policies as they affect Seniors and generally put forward a positive view of Seniors.
    6. to be democratic, non-profit making, non-sectarian, not affiliated to or connected directly with any political party or political organisation.
    7. To liaise with but not be controlled by any local authority.

  5. Powers

    1. The Forum has the power to raise funds and receive contributions.
    2. The Forum has the power to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the Objects.

  6. Membership

    • Membership is open to all Seniors resident or active in Hastings & St Leonards.
    • At the discretion of the Committee, membership is also open to any individual, group or organisation in the Hastings area who/which is in agreement with the Forum objectives.
    • Membership is free.

  7. The Committee

    1. The Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary (the Officers) and other Committee members who do not hold Officer posts.
    2. The Committee shall be made up of no less than 10 and no more than 20 Forum members.
    3. Officers should not normally hold the same post for more than three consecutive years.
    4. The Committee may co-opt Forum members onto the Committee to fill any vacancies that may arise during its year of office. The Committee may also co-opt other individuals onto the Committee where appropriate. These members and individuals will be co-opted to serve on the Committee until its termination of office at the next Annual General Meeting.
    5. The Committee shall have the power to remove elected and co-opted members and individuals from the Committee. This may be done either as a result of misconduct, or if a member fails to attend three consecutive committee meetings without giving apologies provided that:
      1. There is, in the opinion of the Committee, a good reason for removing the member.
      2. The member is informed of the proposal to refuse or end his/her committee membership and the reason for it.
      3. The member is given the opportunity to be heard by the Committee before a final decision is taken.
    6. The Committee may delegate any part of it's business to a sub-committee as necessary. Sub- committees must consist of at least four people. They may co-opt persons who have skills, knowledge or experience valuable to furthering the Objects of the Forum.

  8. Meetings

    1. There will be three statutory meetings a year, one to be the Annual General Meeting (AGM) when the Officers and Committee shall be elected. General Meetings shall be held as required.
    2. At least 14 days notice of the date, time, venue and agenda of the AGM shall be given to all members of the Forum.
    3. Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) may be convened at any time at the discretion of the Committee or at the request of at least 10 members of the Forum.
    4. At least 14 days notice must be given of the date, time, venue and the reasons for calling the EGM.
    5. Minutes will be taken at each meeting and retained by the Secretary.
      1. At Forum meetings a quorum shall consist of a minimum of 20 members.
      2. At Committee meetings a quorum shall consist of a minimum of 6 members

  9. Voting

    1. All Forum members are entitled to vote at Annual General Meetings or Extraordinary General Meetings.
    2. All members of the Committee shall be able to vote at Committee meetings.
    3. In the event of a tied vote the Chair of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote.

  10. Finance

    1. All funds received by the Forum shall be paid into a bank or building society account in the name of Hastings & St Leonards Seniors' Forum. Six members of the Committee shall be authorised to sign on behalf of the Forum, the signatures of any two being required for any withdrawal of funds.
    2. Funds shall be used to meet the cost of agreed projects and activities.
    3. Committee members shall be entitled only to receive legitimate out of pocket expenses incurred through involvement in activities associated with the work of the Forum.
    4. The Treasurer shall submit a statement of the financial position at each committee meeting and accounts shall be made available for inspection at the request of any Committee member.
    5. At the end of the financial year accounts shall be prepared and submitted to an independent examiner. The independent examiner's report shall be presented to the Annual General Meeting of the Forum.

  11. Amendments to Constitution

    1. The constitution may be amended by resolution passed by a simple majority of the members present at any Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting.
    2. Notice of resolutions to amend the Constitution shall be given in writing no less than 28 days before the Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting.

  12. Dissolution

    In the event of the organisation dissolving - After paying or making provisions for all debts and liabilities of the Forum, the Committee shall transfer any remaining assets to one or more voluntary groups having objectives similarly to the objects of the forum.

23rd October 2015