SID VALLEY BIODIVERSITY GROUP – CONSTITUTION (2nd November 2021)
1. Name The name of the Group shall be Sid Valley Biodiversity Group
2. Our purpose
Working with the community to enhance and enrich the biodiversity of Sid Valley.
3. Our aims
Making a measurable positive difference to the biodiversity of the Sid Valley by:
(a) Helping people to understand and celebrate the rich diversity of wildlife already present in the valley.
(b) Working with others on biodiversity-enhancing projects including individuals, organisations, authorities, businesses, and landowners, on biodiversity- enhancing projects.
(c) Encouraging people to take their own steps to benefit nature conservation and biodiversity.
4. Methods of achieving the aims
(a) Establishing baseline data for Sid Valley flora, fauna, and habitats by extracting results and evidence from existing databases and reports, and by conducting and contributing to surveys.
(b) Monitoring changes to baseline data.
(c) Increasing our knowledge of local biodiversity by conducting and contributing to surveys.
(d) In the shorter term, delivering biodiversity-enhancing projects and supporting other groups to deliver theirs.
(e) In the medium term, working with the community and relevant organisations to develop to develop a nature recovery plan for the Sid Valley based on research and evidence.
(f) Identifying and engaging with people who are not currently involved in exploring, understanding, and enjoying the natural environment.
(g) Increasing public understanding of the diversity of wildlife already present in the Sid Valley and the benefits of spending time in nature.
(h) Supporting people through information and engagement to take actions that will benefit wildlife and provide personal learning and enjoyment.
(i) Enhancing learning within the group and the wider community by inviting specialists in various disciplines to share their knowledge about the natural world.
5. Membership
(a)This is a voluntary community group.
(b)There will be no formal membership scheme, all are welcome as supporters of the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group’s activities.
(c) Supporters are invited to join the email newsletter circulation.
6.Management Steering Group
(a)The Sid Valley Biodiversity Group shall be administered by the Steering Group that came together to form the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group in 2020.
(b)The Steering Group may co-opt further full members if this will further the aims of the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group.
(c) All Steering Group members are of equal status, but individuals may volunteer for specific duties if the need arises.
(d)The Steering Group will make decisions by a simple majority obtained either during a meeting of more than half the members, or by electronic communication.
(e)The Steering Group shall meet at such times as shall be deemed necessary but at least 4x a year. The meetings may be physical presence or via electronic means.
(f) All meetings shall be recorded in writing and the minutes accessible to all interested parties.
7. Powers
a) The Steering Group may hire or purchase equipment, hire facilitators, fundraise, attend training, charge for activities, facilitate events and workshops, and collaborate with other groups and organisations in order to carry out its aims.
b) The Steering Group or its individual members may not commit to expenditure in excess of the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group’s assets.
c) The income and property of the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group shall be applied solely to the achievement of the Group’s aims.
d) A Steering Group member may pay out of, or be reimbursed from, the property of the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group reasonable expenses properly incurred by him or her when acting on behalf of the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group.
e) None of the income or property of the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group may be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise by way of profit to any member of the Steering Group. This does not prevent:
a.i. A supporter who is not also a member of the Steering Group from receiving reasonable and proper remuneration for any goods or services supplied to the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group.
a.ii. A Steering Group member from buying goods or services from the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group upon the same terms as other supporters or members of the public.
8. Accounts
(a) The SVBG is a non-profit organisation.
(b)The funds of the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group including all donations, contributions, and bequests, shall be paid into an account with Lloyds Bank plc.
(c) The funds belonging to the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group shall be applied only to further the aims and objectives of the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group and for no other purpose.
(d) A current record of all income, funding and expenditure will be kept.
(e) An annual financial report shall be presented to all supporters via a newsletter, either physical or electronic. The accounting year shall run from 1st January to 31st December
9. Dissolution
(a)The Sid Valley Biodiversity Group may be dissolved if deemed necessary by a simple majority of the Steering Group members at the time.
(b)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 Sid Valley Biodiversity Group or some other charitable purpose(s) as the Steering Group may decide.
Agreed to at the meeting of the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group on 2nd November 2021
Amendment 8(a) was added following agreement at the 6th December 2022 meeting
