Friends of Hales Place Chapel : Constitution

Name

The name of the organisation shall be Friends of Hales Place Chapel.

1. Aims and Objectives

The Group exists to preserve, protect, and promote Friends of Hales Place Chapel and its heritage for public benefit.

1. Support the conservation, repair, maintenance and sustainable use of the building for future generations
2. Promote awareness of its historical, architectural, or community value
3. Encourage public access, education, and engagement
4. Work with owners, local authorities and stakeholders to safeguard the building
5. Raise funds to support these objectives

2. Powers

To achieve its aims, the Group may :

1. Organise events, campaigns, and activities
2. Apply for grants and receive donations
3. Enter into agreements with other organisations
4. Acquire, hold, and manage funds
5. Advocate for the protection of the building

3. Membership

1. Eligibility - Membership is open to anyone who supports the aims of the Group.
2. Categories - The Group may establish categories such as: Individual members, family members, corporate or organisational members
3. Subscriptions - The Group may charge an annual membership fee to be determined each year at the AGM/by the Committee
4. Membership may end if :
   • a. A member resigns
   • b. Subscription is unpaid
   • c. The Committee determines that continued membership is against the Group’s interest (with a right to be heard).

4. Management Committee

The Group shall be managed by a Committee responsible for day-to-day decisions.
The Committee shall include :

• Chair
• Vice Chair
• Treasurer
• Up to 5 additional members

1. The Committee may co-opt others to join on an ad-hoc basis
2. The Committee shall meet a minimum of 4 times a year.
3. The Committee shall issue a minimum of one communication annually.
4. Election: Committee members are elected annually at the AGM by the members present.
5. They serve until the next AGM and may stand for re-election
6. A quorum is 3 members or one-third, whichever is higher
7. Decisions are made by simple majority

5. Officers’ Roles

The Group shall be managed by a Committee responsible for day-to-day decisions.
The Committee shall include :

• Chair: leads meetings and represents the Group
• Vice Chair: supports the Chair and deputises in their absence
• Secretary: manages administration, records, and communication
• Treasurer: manages finances and reports on accounts

6. Annual General Meeting (AGM)

1. Held once per year
2. Business includes :
   1. Election of Committee
   2. Presentation of accounts
   3. Review of activities

7. Special General Meetings (SGM)

1. Can be called by the Committee or by 50% of members
2. Notice - At least 14 days’ notice must be given
3. Quorum - 5 or 10 members, or 10% of total membership whichever is higher

8. Finance

1. The financial year runs from January 1st to December 31st
2. Funds must be used solely for the Group’s aims
3. The Treasurer shall maintain accounts
4. The Committee shall ensure proper financial controls
5. Accounts shall be independently examined before the AGM

9. Amendments to the Constitution

1. This constitution may be amended at a General Meeting
2. Proposed constitutional changes must be circulated to all members at least 7 days before a General Meeting
3. At least two-thirds of members present must agree

10. Dissolution

1. The Group may only be dissolved at a meeting called for this purpose which must be advertised to members at least 7 days in advance
2. Dissolution of the Group shall take effect only if two thirds of those present agree.
3. If the Group is dissolved: Any remaining funds and assets must be transferred to a similar organisation or charity with aligned objectives
4. Members shall not receive financial benefit

11. Adoption

This constitution was adopted on :