The constitution of Kinnaird and The Inches Residents Association

NAME

The name of the organisation shall be Kinnaird and The Inches Residents Association (hereafter “the Association”) 

AIMS

The aims of the Association shall be to:

  • improve the area known as Kinnaird and The Inches (hereafter “the Area”), the boundaries of which are identified in the appended map, for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Area;
  • encourage the goodwill and involvement of the community within the Area;
  • encourage diversity within the Association and communities we represent;
  • foster community spirit and encourage civic pride within the Area;
  • promote the feeling of safety and security within the Area;
  • develop and campaign for the improvement of local amenities within the Area;
  • monitor and participate in commercial or public planning applications within and affecting the Area; and
  • ensure commonly managed/factored grounds and amenities within the Area are kept in good order.

MANAGEMENT

  1. The Association shall be managed by a Management Committee (hereafter “the Committee”), elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (hereafter “AGM”).
  2. The Committee shall, as a minimum, consist of a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Up to a maximum of six additional voting members is preferred where volunteers are forthcoming.
  3. The Committee may co-opt up to a further two voting members who shall resign at the next AGM.
  4. The Committee shall meet at least six times per annum.
  5. At least three Committee members must be present at a Committee meeting to be able to make decisions (quorum).
  6. A proper record of all transactions and meetings shall be kept.

MEMBERSHIP

  1. Voting membership shall be open to anyone over 16 who lives in the area and supports the aims of the Association.
  2. The Committee shall have the power to approve or reject applications for membership or to terminate the membership of any member provided that the member shall have the right to be heard by the Committee before a final decision is made.

POWERS

To further the aims of the Association, the Committee shall have power to:

  1. Obtain, collect and receive money or funds by way of contributions, donations, grants and any other lawful method towards the aims of the Association.
  2. Liaise with local authorities, police, schools, businesses, charities, voluntary organisations and the inhabitants of the Area in a common effort to carry out the aims of the Association.
  3. Take reasonable actions to ensure factors and land management organisations are maintaining the commonly managed/factored grounds of the Area in accordance with the title deeds.
  4. Do any such lawful things as will further the aims of the Association.

GENERAL MEETINGS

  1. An AGM shall be held within 12 months of the date of the adoption of this constitution and each year thereafter. This will be a public meeting.
  2. Notice of the AGM shall be communicated no less than three weeks in advance and a report on the Association’s financial position for the previous   year will be made available at the same time.
  3. A Special General Meeting (hereafter “SGM”) may be called at any time at the request of the Committee, or not less than one quarter of the membership. A notice explaining the place, date, time and reason shall be sent to all members no less than three weeks in advance.
  4. One-third of members or three Committee members being present, whichever is the greater, shall enable an AGM/SGM to take place.
  5. Proposals to change the constitution must be given in writing to the Secretary at least four weeks in advance of an AGM/SGM and approved by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting at the meeting.
  6. A minimum of 2 public meetings (including the AGM) will be held each year open to members of the Association and other residents of the area. A notice of the meeting will be publicised on the Association's communication media no less than three weeks in advance, and a report on the financial position and ongoing projects will be made available at the same time. One third of members or three committee members being present, whichever is the greater, shall enable the public meeting to take place. Speakers and special guests may attend at the discretion of the committee.

ACCOUNTS

  1. The funds of the Association, including all donations, contributions and bequests, shall be paid into an account operated by the Committee. All cheques drawn on the account must be signed by at least two members of the Committee.
  2. The funds belonging to the Association shall be utilised for the sole purpose of furthering the aims of the Association.
  3. A formal record of all income, funding and expenditure will be maintained by the Treasurer.
  4. The Association's accounts will be audited on an annual basis prior to the AGM by an independent qualified auditor, appointed by the committee.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

A community's strength is in its diversity. As a Residents' Association, we are passionate about creating an inclusive community that promotes and values diversity. We recognise that a diverse community in respect of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, ethnicity and perspective, is one which creates a peaceful, enjoyable and vibrant community for all residents to enjoy. The Association will strive to ensure that there is a wide representation of the diversity of our communities in our decision making and, in our membership, thus creating a culture of equality in all that we do on behalf of the people we represent.

CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION

Changes may be made to this constitution at a meeting of the Association's members. Proposed changes should be made in writing to the secretary at any time, but at least 4 weeks prior to the meeting that the proposed changes will be considered. 

DISSOLUTION

  1. The Association may be dissolved by a resolution passed by a simple two-thirds majority of those present and voting at an AGM or SGM.
  2. If confirmed, the committee shall distribute any assets remaining after the payment of all bills to other charitable group(s) or organisation(s) having aims similar to the Association or some other charitable purpose(s) as the Association may decide.

The constitution of the Association is hereby agreed and affirmed by the following signatories from the Committee:

  • Signed by Chair
  • Signed by Secretary
  • Signed by Treasurer