Transition Exeter

Transition Exeter Constitution

Last updated: 18 November 2009.

 

The aims of Transition Exeter (TE) shall be:

(a)     To raise awareness of the issues associated with the twin challenges of resource depletion (as exemplified by Peak Oil) and Climate Change and the consequent need to develop a low carbon, sustainable future through ethical, social, cultural, economic, environmental and community action.

(b)     To promote, encourage and support the development of education and research concerning areas affected by resource depletion.

(c)     To provide the membership, other groups, and individuals with the encouragement and support necessary to make the transition to a low carbon, sustainable, ethical future.

 

The objectives for which TE is established are:

(a)     To help develop and implement an Energy Descent Action Plan (EDAP) for Exeter and the surrounding area with the twin challenges of global resource depletion and Climate Change.

(b)     To inspire, support and encourage local action on Peak Oil and Climate Change

(c)     To support and work with the Transition Network, other Transition communities, and similar community-led initiatives

(d)     To engage with other organisations, including statutory, voluntary, and business, where appropriate in pursuit of its aims and objectives.

 

Powers

In furtherance of the aims and objectives, but not otherwise, the management committee may exercise the power to:

(a)     Raise funds and to invite and receive contributions, providing that in raising funds the Management Committee shall not undertake any substantial permanent trading activities and shall conform to any relevant requirements of the law;

(b)     Subject to any consents required by Law to sell, lease or dispose of all or any part of the property of the organisation

(c)     Subject to any consents required by Law to borrow money and to charge all or any part of the property of the organisation with repayment of the money so borrowed;

(d)     Co-operate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities operating in furtherance of the objects or of similar charitable purposes and exchange information and advice with them;

(e)     Establish or support any charitable trusts, associations or institutions formed for all or any of the objects;

(f)       Appoint and constitute such advisory committees as the Management Committee may think fit;

(g)     Do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the objects.

 

Membership

Membership shall be open to all citizens of Exeter and surrounding areas without limit to distance. Membership fees shall be agreed annually at the AGM.

 

Committee

The committee will be known as the Core Group and will consist of at least 3 members.

(a)     Meetings shall be held at least four times a year.

(b)     One third of committee members must be present to form a quorum (minimum three members).

(c)     The organisation may take out and pay for Trustees Indemnity Insurance on behalf of committee members.

(d)     All committee members are elected for a period of one year. All committee members will retire at the AGM but may be re-elected

(e)     Committee members will include an elected Coordinator, Treasurer and Secretary.

 

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The AGM shall be held not later than three months after the end of the financial year. Notice must be given at least 14 days before the AGM.

The AGM will:

(a)     hear reports of the year’s work from the committee

(b)     receive the Treasurer’s report on the accounts for the year

(c)     accept the resignation of the outgoing committee

(d)     elect committee members for the forthcoming year

(e)     appoint the auditors for the forthcoming year as required

Voting at the AGM

All members are entitled to vote. Voting shall be by a show of hands. In the event of a tie the Coordinator or an appointed deputy shall have the casting vote.

Special General Meeting (SGM)

The Chair may call a Special General Meeting to resolve a serious problem or if a proposal in made to alter the constitution. 18 days notice must be given prior to a SGM.

 

Amendments

The constitution can be amended with a majority vote at the AGM or an SGM called for the purpose.

 

Assets/property/effects

These are the responsibility of the Committee at all times who shall see they are maintained in good order.

 

Records

Shall be kept by the secretary and made available for inspection by any member of TE. These records will include minutes of any meetings, minutes of the AGM, and the Annual Report.

 

Income/expenditure

This is the responsibility of the Treasurer and Committee.

(a)     Proper accounts shall be kept, tabled at each Committee meeting, or as otherwise agreed by the Committee and at the AGM. Accounts should be audited or examined annually according to current law by a qualified person who is not a member.

(b)     The accounting year shall run from 01 April to 31 March.

(c)     A bank account shall be opened in the name of the organisation and the signatures of either of two committee members will be needed for cheques to be drawn on the account.

 

Dissolution

The organisation may be dissolved if deemed necessary by the members in a majority vote at an AGM or SGM. Funds and other assets remaining shall be distributed to local charities with compatible aims at the Committee’s discretion.

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