Constitution

1. NAME

The charity’s name is Woolwich Singers

2. THE PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY ARE:-

• to promote a high standard of singing at a local level, welcoming singers of all abilities
• to strengthen and build local community spirit
• to encourage the participation of a diverse cross-section of the local community
(including those of different age, race, origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation and socio – economic status)
• to aspire to vocal and social harmony
• to further such charitable purpose or purposes as the trustees in their discretion think fit

3. TRUSTEES

The charity shall be managed by a committee of trustees whose function is to ensure that the purposes of the charity are carried out. There shall be between 3 and 5. All trustees shall stand down formally each year but shall be eligible for re-election. Casual vacancies may be filled by the committee of trustees and ratified by the following AGM. The trustees carry out specific functions including chair, treasurer, communications, fundraising.

4. CARRYING OUT THE PURPOSES

In order to carry out the charitable purposes, the trustees have the power to:

(1) raise funds, receive grants and donations

(2) apply funds to carry out the work of the charity

(3) co-operate with and support other charities with similar purposes

(4) do anything which is lawful and necessary to achieve the purposes

5. MEMBERSHIP

The charity shall have a membership. People who support the work of the charity and are aged 18 or over, can apply to the trustees to become a member. 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 charity. The member has the right to be heard by the trustees before the decision is made and can be accompanied by a friend.

6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – AGM

(1) 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.

(2) There must be at least 5 members present at the AGM.

(3) Every member has one vote. Voting shall be open or by ballot, as the meeting determines.

(4) The trustees shall present the annual report and accounts.

(5) Any member may stand for election as a trustee. Notice of such nominations should be given in writing (or by email), not less than seven days before the meeting at which the election is to be held.

7. TRUSTEE MEETINGS

(1) Trustees must hold at least 3 meetings each year. At their first meeting after the AGM they will elect a chair, treasurer and secretary. Trustees may act by majority decision. In the event of deadlock, the chair shall have the casting vote.

(2) Subject to clause 7(6) below at least 3 trustees must be present at the meeting to be able to take decisions. Minutes shall be kept for every meeting.

(3) If trustees have a conflict of interest they must declare it and leave the meeting while this matter is being discussed or decided.

(4) During the year, casual vacancies may be filled by the committee of trustees and ratified by the following AGM.

(5) The trustees may make reasonable additional rules to help run the charity. These rules must not conflict with this constitution or the law.

(6) Should a trustee wish to resign, he or she shall give 3 weeks’ notice to the other trustees, who shall be obliged to accept such resignation. If the resignation would reduce the number of trustees to 2, the trustees shall use reasonable endeavours to appoint one or more new. In the event that no new trustee is appointed, the requirement in clause 7(2) to have 3 trustees present at trustee meetings shall not apply and it shall be sufficient to have the presence of the 2 remaining trustees to be able to take decisions, providing those trustees use reasonable endeavours to appoint a new trustee or to wind up the charity.

8. MONEY AND PROPERTY

(1) Money and property must only be used for the charity’s purposes.

(2) Trustees must keep accounts. The most recent annual accounts can be seen by anybody on request.

(3) Trustees cannot receive any money or property from the charity, except to refund reasonable out of pocket expenses.

(4) Money must be held in the charity’s bank account. All cheques must be signed by
2 trustees.

9. GENERAL MEETINGS

If the Trustees consider it is necessary to change the constitution, or wind up the charity, they must call a General Meeting so that the membership can make the decision. Trustees must also call a General Meeting if they receive a written request from the majority of members. All members must be given 14 days notice and told the reason for the meeting. All decisions require a two thirds majority of those present. Minutes must be kept.

(1) Winding up – any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a charity with similar purposes to this one.

(2) Changes to the Constitution – can be made at AGMs or General Meetings. No change can be made that would make the organisation no longer a charity.

(3) General Meeting – called on written request from a majority of members.

(4) Trustees may also call a General Meeting to consult the membership