efdbgconstitution

Constitution

1) Name:
        a.   The name of the organisation shall be “Epping Forest District Badger Group” also known as “EFDBG” hereafter referred to as “The Group”.

2) Objectives:
        a.    To encourage a tolerance and appreciation of badgers throughout the district so as to preserve their habitat and well-being.
        b.    To render aid to any badger in need with the aim that it is returned to the wild at the earliest possible opportunity

3) Status:
        a.   The Group shall be non-profit making, non-party political and non-sectarian.
        b.    All monies raised will be used to further the aims of The Group.

4) Management:
        a.    The Group shall be managed by a committee consisting of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer (Group Officers), plus three Field Officers.
        b.    All committee members shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and shall serve for a period of one year ending at the close of the following AGM.
        c.    Should one of the officers resign during his or her term of office the committee shall appoint a replacement who shall serve until the end of the next AGM.
        d.    The committee shall have the power to co-opt members to the committee as and when required.
        e.    A meeting is deemed a quorum when four of the elected members of the committee are present, of which at least two must be Group officers.

5) Membership:
        a.    Membership of The Group shall be open to all who are interested in furthering the aims of The Group and who have paid their membership fee. The committee reserves the right to refuse membership without stating a reason.
        b.    A person shall cease to be a member of The Group if their conduct is considered to be detrimental to the aims of The Group by a majority of the committee.
        c.    All paid up members shall be entitle to attend and vote at the AGM. Each member shall have one vote.
        d.    A member shall obtain authorisation from the committee before making any representation in The Group’s name.
        e.    No member shall disclose the location of badgers and/or setts to a non-member unless this information forms part of a survey authorised by the committee.

6)   Meetings:
a.    The committee shall meet, as they deem appropriate but not less than four times a year
b.    The AGM shall be held not later than 3 months after the end of the financial year, that being the 31^st December.
c.    All members shall be notified in writing at least 21 days prior to the AGM.
d.    The chairman shall preside at the AGM. In his/her absence the Vice Chairman shall preside. If both are absent a committee member agreed by the meeting shall preside.
e.    The agenda of the AGM shall be as follows:

f. Notices of motions or addition to the agenda will be at the discretion of the committee and must be received by the Secretary not less than seven days before the AGM.
g. Nominations to the committee must be received by the secretary not less than seven days before the AGM and must be supported by the agreement of the nominee and by a Proposer and Seconder.

7)   Finances:
a.    The Treasurer shall maintain a Bank Account in the name of The Group. All cheques to be signed by two of the three following officers. Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer.
b.    The Treasurer shall keep proper accounts of the finances of The Group and report thereon to the committee as required by them.
c.    All members will pay an annual membership fee, the amount, which will be agreed at the AGM for the following membership year.
d.    The accounts of The Group will be examined annually by a competent person prior to the submission at the AGM.

8)   Amendments to this constitution:
a.    Any amendments to this constitution shall require the approval of a majority of those present and voting at the AGM at which it is discussed.
b.    Any resolution to amend the constitution must be received by the secretary at least fourteen days before the meeting at which the resolution is to be brought forward.
c.    Should it be considered necessary by the Committee, or at the request of at least ten members of The Group, an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) can be called by giving twenty-one days notice of such meeting together with the matter to be discussed. No other matter shall be discussed at an EGM other than that given in the notice.

9)   Dissolution:
a.    If the committee feel that through lack of support, or in the interest of the majority of members, The Group should be dissolved, a Special General Meeting shall be called giving twenty-one days notice of a resolution to this end.
b.    If dissolution of The Group is agreed by a majority of those present at the Special General Meeting, all liabilities and debts shall be discharged. Any monies remaining in the account and any property owned by The Group shall be donated to the National Federation of Badger Groups (NFBG). The bank account shall then be closed.