CONSTITUTION
BY LAWS OF BHUTANESE WELFARE ASSOCIATION IN THE UK
1. NAME
The association name is BHUTANESE WELFARE ASSOCIATION, abbreviated as "BWA".
It is non-profit seeking organisation.
2. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. NAME
The association name is BHUTANESE WELFARE ASSOCIATION, abbreviated as "BWA".
It is non-profit seeking organisation.
2. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
- To preserve and promote the religion of interest and culture
- To help with individual problems pertaining to language barrier, developing CV and assisting with job search
- To provide support and direction towards integration into the mainstream local community by increasing participation and developing links with the local services
- To liaise with organisations, institutions for empowerment of Bhutanese through volunteering, training and higher education.
- To connect the Bhutanese Diaspora.
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 PURPOSES
In order to carry out the charitable purpose, the trustees have the power to:
- raise funds, receive grants and donations
- apply funds, receive grants and donations
- co-operate with and support other charities with similar purpose
- do anything which is lawful and necessary to achieve the purpose
5. MEMBERSHIP
The charity shall have two types of membership: the voting members, hereafter also referred to as the "members" and the honorary members.
5.1 ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSIP
The voting membership shall be open to any Bhutanese who lives in the UK and are of aged 18 and above, who subscribes to the aims and objectives of the charity. Individuals can apply to the trustees to become a member. Once accepted by the trustees, membership lasts for 5 years and may be renewed. The trustees will keep an up-to-date membership list.
Honorary members are identified by the trustees. The trustees may invite or nominate distinguished persons, who are active promoters or supporters of charitable cause to be honorary members. The honorary members shall not be liable to any subscription or fees and do not enjoy voting rights.
5.2 Subscription
The trustees shall have the power to levy membership and other fees, and the members shall pay such subscriptions or fees, as determined from time to time.
5.3 Loose of Membership and Reinstatement
Any member shell forgo his or her membership in the following circumstances:
5.3.1 Resignation
Any member may cease to be a member on tendering resignation in writing to the Secretary of the Charity. Resignation shall not alleviate a member of unpaid dues, or other charges previously accrued.
5.3.2 Termination and Suspension of Membership
Membership of any member, in case of violation of the Charity's norms, may be suspended, expelled or terminated by a decision of 2/3 majority of the trustees. Member shall also forfeit membership due to non payment of annual dues or the death of the member.
5.3.3 Reinstatement
Revocation of suspension or expulsion of membership shall be determined by 2/3 majority of the trustees
6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING-AGM
The charity shall have two types of membership: the voting members, hereafter also referred to as the "members" and the honorary members.
5.1 ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSIP
The voting membership shall be open to any Bhutanese who lives in the UK and are of aged 18 and above, who subscribes to the aims and objectives of the charity. Individuals can apply to the trustees to become a member. Once accepted by the trustees, membership lasts for 5 years and may be renewed. The trustees will keep an up-to-date membership list.
Honorary members are identified by the trustees. The trustees may invite or nominate distinguished persons, who are active promoters or supporters of charitable cause to be honorary members. The honorary members shall not be liable to any subscription or fees and do not enjoy voting rights.
5.2 Subscription
The trustees shall have the power to levy membership and other fees, and the members shall pay such subscriptions or fees, as determined from time to time.
5.3 Loose of Membership and Reinstatement
Any member shell forgo his or her membership in the following circumstances:
5.3.1 Resignation
Any member may cease to be a member on tendering resignation in writing to the Secretary of the Charity. Resignation shall not alleviate a member of unpaid dues, or other charges previously accrued.
5.3.2 Termination and Suspension of Membership
Membership of any member, in case of violation of the Charity's norms, may be suspended, expelled or terminated by a decision of 2/3 majority of the trustees. Member shall also forfeit membership due to non payment of annual dues or the death of the member.
5.3.3 Reinstatement
Revocation of suspension or expulsion of membership shall be determined by 2/3 majority of the trustees
6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING-AGM
- 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.
- There must be at least 15 members present at the AGM.
- Every member has one vote.
- The trustees shall present the annual report and accounts.
- Any member may stand for election as a trustee.
- Members shell elect between 3 and 10 trustees to serve for the 2 years. They will retire at the next AGM but may stand for re-election.
7. TRUSTEE MEETINGS
- Trustees must hold at least 3 meetings each year. At their first meeting after the AGM they will elect a chair, treasurer and secretary. Trustees may act by majority decision.
- At least 3 trustees must be present at the meeting to be able to take decisions. Minutes shall be kept for every meeting.
- If trustees have a conflict of interest they must declare it and leave the meeting while this matter is being discussed or decided.
- During the year, the trustees may appoint up to 2 additional trustees. They will stand down at the next AGM.
- The trustees may make reasonable additional rules to help run the charity. These rules must not conflict with this constitution or the law.
6. MONEY AND PROPERTY
- Money and property must be used for the charity's purpose
- Trustees must keep accounts. The most recent annual account can be seen by anybody on request.
- Trustees cannot receive any money or property from the charity, except to refund reasonable out of pocket expenses.
- Money must be held in the charity's bank account. All cheques must be signed by 2 trustees.
7. GENERAL MEETINGS
If the trustees consider it is necessary to change the constitution, or wind up the charity, they mus call a General Meeting so that the membership can make the decision. Trustees must also call a General Meeting if they receive a written request from the majority of members. All members must be given 14 days notice and told the reason for the meeting. All decisions requires a two third majority. Minutes must be kept.
- Winding up- any money or property remaining after payment or debts must be given to a charity with similar purposes to this one.
- Changes to the Constitution- can be made at AMGs or General Meetings. No change can be made that would the organisation no longer a charity.
- General Meeting- called on written request from a majority of members.
- Trustees may also call a General Meeting to consult the membership
10. SETTING UP THE CHARITY
This constitution was adopted on 27th of July 2011 by the majority of committee of an organisation. They are the first members of the charity and will be the trustees until the AGM, which must be held one year.
