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Joint winners of the Guardian's 'Eco-Gong' 2003

 

The "Impact" Constitution

This is the constitution adopted at the inaugural meeting of IMPACT at the James Finegan Hall, Eston, on January 9th 2003

1. Name: The name of the organisation shall be IMPACT 2. Aims: The aim of IMPACT shall be to support the disadvantaged communities of Teesside in reducing the impact of local pollution on environment and quality of life. 3. Objectives: IMPACT shall involve itself as a completely independent organisation in such activity that promotes and enhances the environment of the disadvantaged communities of Teesside by: Providing accurate and clear information about environmental pollution to the local community. Developing local, national and international information and support networks about environmental pollution. Work with 'the environmental regulators' to encourage them to have more 'open' and constructive relationships with the local community. To be involved in community education about environmental pollution and its impacts on health and quality of life. Organise or assist activities to address local environmental concerns. In pursuing these objectives IMPACT will: have regard for the principles of sustainability continually attempt to involve all local people without prejudice or discrimination, and will monitor and review this practice on a regular basis Attempt to provide appropriate training and support to staff and volunteers so that they are able to work effectively 4. Powers: IMPACT shall have the following powers to facilitate the fulfilment of the above objectives: To raise and expend funds To operate a bank account To seek representation in other organisations to promote the aims and objectives. To consult with and inform local people through newsletters, meetings, the internet, the media, exhibitions and conference To organise training events To make links with other communities with similar problems To own 'one' share in public companies for the purpose of attending the AGM of such companies To do all things necessary and expedient for the fulfilment of the objectives 5. Membership: Membership of IMPACT shall be open to any person over the age of 18 years resident or working in Teesside who supports the aims and objectives and who has paid the annual subscription laid down from time to time by the Committee. Every member shall have one vote. The Committee may by unanimous vote of those present at a quorate meeting and for good reason terminate the membership of any individual: Provided that the individual concerned shall have the right to be heard by the Committee, accompanied by a friend, before a final decision is made. 6. General Meetings: The Annual General Meeting will normally be held in June of each year, the first one not more than six months after the adoption of this constitution, and there shall be no more than 14 months between the occurrence of the Annual General Meetings. The Members will receive 28 days notice of the AGM, which will be prominently publicised in the Teesside area. The purpose of the Annual General Meeting shall be to: Consider the Annual Report of IMPACT To approve the Annual Accounts To appoint an independent person to examine the accounts To receive appointments to the Committee and elect the Committee To elect officers and members whose period of service has expired Consider motions of which due notice (21 days) in writing to the secretary have been received The Annual General Meeting shall be open to all members and the quorum will be 12 people. Elections to office will be decided by the Alternative Vote system, Remaining committee places will then be chosen by a simple vote (each member having as many votes to allocate among the candidates as there are places on the Committee) unless at least three of those present request that the election be conducted by Single Transferable Vote. Any motions to be decided by a two-third majority of those voting. Extraordinary meetings may be called by either by the Chairperson of IMPACT, or if five members of IMPACT request in writing to the Secretary with notice of any motion. In each case 28 days notice should be given. Any motion will require a two-third majority of those voting.. 7. The Committee: The purpose of the Committee is to manage the day to day finances and affairs of IMPACT, and to work towards fulfilling the aims and objectives of the organisation. The Committee shall meet on a minimum of 6 times per year. Those attending and eligible to vote will elect and receive appointments to the Committee at the Annual General Meeting. It shall comprise of the following officers: Chairperson Vice Chair Treasurer Secretary Plus 11 additional Committee Members Elected members of the Committee will be subject to re-election at the third Annual General meeting after being elected, subject to interim arrangements being made to ensure that at least one-third of the committee are elected at each of the first three Annual General Meetings. Decisions to appoint co-opted members will be subject to confirmation by a vote at the first Annual General meeting after appointment Any casual vacancies will be filled by co-option The quorum is a minimum of 4 people of whom 2 must be officers In the event of an equality of votes the Chair will have an additional casting vote. Members of the Committee not attending or giving valid apologies for 3 meetings of the Committee will have their membership of the Committee withdrawn. The Committee may convene any working groups deemed necessary, providing that at least 2 members of the Committee sits on them. The other members of these working groups need not be members of the Committee. All working groups shall report regularly to the Committee and shall not commit IMPACT to any contract expenditure or action unless agreed by the Committee. 8. Funds and Finance All funds of IMPACT will be used to further the aims and objectives of the organisation. Financial reports should be made to each Committee meeting by the Treasurer. The Annual Accounts will be examined by a person external to IMPACT, and presented to the Annual General Meeting of the organisation for approval. IMPACT will operate a Bank Account with a bank chosen with due regard for its ethical investment policy, and any two from the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary will sign cheques. 9. Alterations to the Constitution: This constitution can be amended at any Annual General Meeting of IMPACT, or at an Open Meeting called for such purpose, provided that notice of the amendment are given to the Chair Person or Secretary in writing. 21 days notice of any meeting to discuss an amendment to the Constitution shall be given to members. Any alterations to the Constitution will need a two-thirds majority of a quorate meeting. Clauses 1, 2, and 10 cannot be changed. 10. Dissolution If after January 2003 the Committee fails to meet with a quorum over a period of 4 meetings, then 21 days notice of a resolution to dissolve IMPACT should be prominently published and debated at an Open Meeting. If two thirds of those attending agree to the resolution; then after discharging the liabilities of the organisation and liquidating the assets where possible, any remaining funds or assets shall be returned to their source if practicable, or be distributed to community groups on Teesside that have an interest in protecting the environment. This distribution should be supervised by an organisation external to IMPACT. 11. Adoption of the Constitution This constitution was adopted at the inaugural meeting of IMPACT at the James Finegan Hall, Eston, on January 9th 2003. (Dated & Signed)