Uid constitution

UiD Constitution 1. NAME Unity in Diversity (Hereafter referred to as “the group�).

2. AIMS To advance the education and training of asylum seekers and those granted refugees status and their dependants so as to advance them in life and assist them to adapt within a new community.

We aim to:- Provide ESOL classes at Pre-entry, Entry 1 and 2 levels - Give additional learning opportunities, training and volunteer opportunities.

- Provide a safe place to meet and network together with the wider community - Signpost people to other existing services for asylum seekers and refugees.

- Work with other organisations in Swansea who provide for asylum seekers and refugees.

- Help with application forms, official letters etc.

- Give access to input from other projects such as story- telling, singing groups and awareness raising groups.

- Provide a friendly environment where we eat a meal together.

- Give opportunities for wider social activities such as football training.

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TRUSTEES The group shall be managed by members who are all trustees. Officers are appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the group.

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CARRYING OUT THE PURPOSES In order to carry out the purposes of the group the trustees have the power to:

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(1)

raise funds, receive grants and donations

(2)

apply funds to carry out the work of the group

(3)

co-operate with and support other groups and charities with similar purposes

(4)

do anything which is lawful and necessary to achieve the purposes

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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.

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.

Membership will cease if the member resigns, dies or becomes incapable by reason of mental disorder, illness or injury. If a member does not attend three consecutive meetings of the group without notice or good reason it will be assumed that membership has lapsed.

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OFFICE-BEARERS

There will be a Chairperson who will be responsible for chairing meetings, a Secretary who is responsible for all correspondence and a Treasurer who will be responsible for keeping the accounts and making and receiving any payments on behalf of the group. The minutes of meetings will be taken by a chosen member of the group.

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - AGM a) 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. b) There must be at least 4 members present at the AGM. c) Every member has one vote. d) The members shall consider the annual report and accounts. e) Any member may stand for election as an officer.

Members shall elect 3 Officers who will perform the roles of Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer to serve for the next year. They will retire at the next AGM but may stand for re-election

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8 TRUSTEE MEETINGS All members will be Trustees of the charity. a) Trustees must hold at least 4 meetings each year. Decisions will generally be made by consensus but Trustees may act by majority decision. b) At least 4 trustees must be present at the meeting to be able to take decisions. Minutes shall be kept for every meeting. c) If trustees have a conflict of interest they must declare it and leave the meeting while this matter is being discussed or decided. d) In the event of the retirement or death of an elected officer the vacancy will be e) filled by nomination by the Trustees. f) The trustees may make reasonable additional rules to help run the group. These rules must not conflict with this constitution or the law 9

FUNDS

Funds will be held in a bank or building society account in the group’s name.

There will be at least four signatories for the bank account, one of whom will be the Treasurer. Two signatures will be needed to withdraw funds.

Financial records will be available for examination at trustees’ meetings.

Funds and property must only be used for the purposes of the group.

Trustees cannot receive any money or property from the group, except to refund reasonable out of pocket expenses.

10 SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS Special General Meetings may be called for the following reasons. All trustees must be given 14 days notice and told what change is proposed.

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a)

Changing the Constitution - The constitution may be changed by a two thirds majority of members present and voting at a Special General Meeting.

b)

Emergency Special General Meetings – to allow the members to decide on important issues.

c)

Winding up – the group may be wound up by a two thirds majority of members present and voting at a Special General Meeting. Any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a group with similar (charitable) purposes.