IP Handbook Page 3

Consitution (as at 31st May 2005)

1 The name of the organisation shall be "ISLAND PROFESSIONALS"

2 The purpose of the organisation shall be the promotion of companionship and communication between single people on the Isle of Wight, and liaison between any similar groups elsewhere.

3 Any single person shall be eligible for membership provided they are approved by the committee and no reasonable objection is raised by any paid up member, and they pay the necessary enrolment fee. Should they subsequently marry they may at the discretion of the committee remain as associate members with no voting rights or officer position.

4 Any person may be expelled from the organisation at the discretion of the committee. An expelled member may appeal to a constituted panel of members within 14 days of the complaints procedure.

5 The officers of the committee shall consist of chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, treasurer and membershp manager, and other such posts as the committee shall decide. The committee may request the co-option of other members as it sees fit.

6 A quorum shall be 50% of the committee members.

7 Decisions shall be by simple majority vote. In the even of a tied vote the chairman shall have one casting vote.

8 The committee shall have the ability to call an Extraordinary General Meeting giving at least two weeks written notice including a fixed agenda. Members may request the Committee in writing to call and EGM provided that 20% of the membership make that request and attend the EGM.

9 The business of the committee shall be:

a) the advertisement of the group's existence and purpose

b) the recruitment of members by invitation to a monthly introductory meeting

c) the maintenance of a computer database of members and their details

d) the compilation of programmed events submitted by members

e) the monthly publications of a membership list (or amendment sheets) and any members' events and any other such news, letters, etc. that the committee may deem appropriate

f) the monthly invitation to members to rejoin on the anniversary of membership

g) to oversee and care for the welfare of members insofar as is practicable.

h) proper management of accounts.

i) proper keeping of minutes and records of correspondence.

 10 An Annual General Meeting shall be held each year. One month's clear notice shall be given and all committee members shall be eligible for re-election each year. Ordinary committee meetings shall be held at least once every month. Attendance of members at these meetings must be at least 50% in any six month period or committee membership shall be deemed to have lapsed.

11 In the event of the dissolution of the Club, assets will be distributed to a local charity or charities which will be identified and voted on by the members at the EGM.

12 Cheques will be validated by no less than two signatories. All monies paid out of club funds will be by cheque and all will be validated by verified receipts.

13 Club accounts shall be subject to independent scrutiny every year and will be audited at least once every three years.

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