Focus in on Life - George Charles Rolling Smith

FOCUS IN ON LIFE CONSTITUTION

NAME

The charity’s name is: Focus in on Life

2. PURPOSE

The purpose of the charity is to raise money which will enable us to support other specific projects within charities, groups, schools etc. which are aiming to introduce young people to various beneficial interests. Areas of particular interest are: Conservation, Sustainable Living, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness.

Secondly we also support charities, groups, schools etc. who are involved in encouraging young people in various forms of self expression such as art, drama, photography and rural crafts.

There may be some limited provision to support projects which are outside the core purposes above subject to the condition that it seems both appropriate and all the trustees are in agreement.

3. TRUSTEES

The charity shall be managed by a committee of trustees who are appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the charity.

4. CARRYING OUT THE PURPOSE

In order to carry out the charitable purposes, the trustees have the power to:

  1. Raise funds, receive grants and donations
  2. Apply funds to carry out the work of the charity
  3. Co-operate with and support other charities with similar purposes
  4. Do anything which is lawful and necessary to achieve the purposes

5. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

  1. The AGM must be held every year, with 14 days notice given to all members telling them what is on the agenda. Minutes must be kept of the AGM.
  2. There must be at least four Trustees present at the AGM.
  3. Every Trustee has one vote.
  4. The Trustees shall present the annual report and accounts.
  5. Trustees will retire at the next AGM but may stand for re-election.

6. TRUSTEE MEETINGS

  1. Trustees must hold at least three meetings each year. At their first meeting after the AGM they will elect a chair, treasurer and secretary. Trustees may act by majority decision.
  2. At least three trustees must be present at the meeting to be able to take decisions. Minutes shall be kept for every meeting.
  3. If trustees have a conflict of interest they must declare it and leave the meeting while this matter is being discussed or decided.
  4. During the year, the trustees may appoint up to two additional trustees. They will stand down at the next AGM.
  5. The trustees may make reasonable additional rules to help run the charity. These rules must not conflict with this constitution or the law.

7. MONEY AND PROPERTY

  1. Money and property must only be used for the charity’s purposes.
  2. Trustees must keep accounts. The most recent annual accounts can be seen by anybody on request.
  3. Trustees cannot receive any money or property from the charity, except to refund reasonable out of pocket expenses.
  4. Money must be held in the charity’s bank account. All cheques must be signed by two trustees.

8. GENERAL MEETINGS

If the trustees consider it is necessary to change the constitution or wind up the charity they must call a General Meeting to make the decision. All Trustees must be given 14 days notice and told the reason for the meeting. All decisions require a two thirds majority. Minutes must be kept.

  1. Winding Up – any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a charity with similar purposes to this one.
  2. Changes to the Constitution – can be made at AGMs or General Meetings. No change can be made that would make the organisation no longer a charity.
  3. General Meeting – called on written request from a majority of Trustees.