Constitution of ‘Butterflies Children’s Disability Fund’
1. TITLE
The title of the organisation is ‘Butterflies Children’s Disability Fund’ which shall be referred to as “the organisation” in this constitution.
2. OBJECTIVES and AIMS
The objective of the organisation shall be to support eligible children within the West Dorset conurbation, up to and including the age of 18, who are disabled and who reside in a DT postcode and/or registered at the Children’s Centre, Dorchester County Hospital Foundation Trust in any manner that now or hereafter may be deemed by law to be charitable.
Further to our objective, our aims are:
a) To help provide funding for equipment for children who are disabled (0-18) that is not provided by the statutory authorities.
b) To provide information for parents and carers about local services.
c) To help provide funding for courses, seminars and conferences for parents and carers.
d) Raise funds by any means permitted by law, and accept donations.
3. MEMBERSHIP
Membership of the organisation shall be open to anyone wanting to support children who are disabled.
4. ANNUAL MEETING
a) There shall be an annual meeting of the organisation at which a quorum shall be 5 members of the committee.
b) The Honorary Secretary of the organisation shall inform each committee member of the date, time and place of such meeting.
c) An Annual Report and Statement of Accounts shall be presented to the Meeting.
d) At each Annual Meeting the following officers shall be elected:
- Chairman
- Honorary Secretary
- Honorary Treasurer
who shall all be ex-officio members of the Management Committee.
In addition, other members of the organisation shall be elected to serve on the Management Committee to a maximum of 12.
e) All officers and elected members or the Management Committee, having retired annually, shall be eligible for re-election.
5. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
a) The Management Committee shall be composed of the Chairman of the organisation, the Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, plus elected members (as described above).
b) In addition, the Management Committee may invite individuals with special knowledge in, and experience of, the problems of the children who are disabled to become co-optive members of the Management Committee and/or attend meetings on a one-off basis.
c) The Management Committee shall meet on such occasions as deemed desirable by the Chairman. In addition, any three other members may demand that a meeting be held.
d) At all meetings of the Management Committee a quorum shall be at least one quarter of committee members, but not less than 4.
e) The Honorary Secretary shall give to all members of the Management Committee at least seven days notice of the time, date and place of every meeting of the Committee except if there is a need for an extraordinary general meeting.
f) Any new committee members must be accepted by the current committee and may be asked to provide referees or similar.
6. FINANCE
a) The Management Committee shall, on behalf of the organisation administer such funds as may be placed at its disposal from time to time.
b) The Management Committee shall have the power to raise money on behalf of the organisation by means of donations, legacies, grants and other sources.
c) The income and property of the organisation whence-so-ever derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the purposes of the organisation as set forth in this Constitution.
d) The financial year shall be from1st April to 31st March.
e) Banking instructions may be given by the Honorary Treasurer or Chairman of the committee.
7. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
With the exception of Clause 2 the provisions of the constitution may be amended by the organisation at the Annual Meeting provided always that:
a) The notice of any motion to amend the constitution shall be given to the honorary secretary not less than 30 days before the Annual Meeting.
b) The honorary secretary shall send a copy of the motion to every committee member not less than 10 days before the Annual Meeting.
c) Any amendment shall require the approval of not less than two thirds of those members present and voting.
d) No amendment shall be made which causes the organisation tocease to be a charity at law.
8. DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANISATION
The organisation may at any time be dissolved by resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting at an Annual Meeting of the Organisation of which at least 21 clear days’ notice stating the terms of the resolution to be proposed thereat shall have been given to all members of the organisation.
I Certify this as a True Copy of the Constitution; incorporating the amendments formally adopted at the EGM of the organisation, held on 18/05/2021.
Catherine Irving – Chairman
