OUR CONSTITUTION

NAME : The name of the organisation is SANDOWN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

THE AIMS OF THE ASSOCIATION : To be a non-party political and non-sectarian association to represent and promote the interests and wellbeing of those people living and working in Sandown and to seek to improve conditions for them, To provide a forum for their views on matters which concern the community.

To work together to support and assist the businesses of the town, organise town events, and to make the town attractive for residents and visitors.

To work in partnership with Sandown Town Council, the Isle of Wight Council and other agencies to achieve these aims and raise specific concerns on behalf of the members.

POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION :  In order to carry out the aims, the Committee shall have the power to: 

  • Obtain, collect and receive money or funds by way of contributions, donations, grants and any other lawful method towards the aims of the Association.
  • Associate with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and the residents of Sandown, in a common effort to carry out the aims of the Association.
  • Co-operate with and support other groups with similar purposes
  • Do anything else within the law which is necessary to achieve these aims.

MEMBERSHIP : The Committee may admit to membership any person, aged 16 and over, who is a resident of Sandown, or is a business owner (or manager in the case of multi-site businesses) operating in Sandown and supports the aims of the Association.. The Committee will keep an up to date membership list in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. Each member shall have the right to one vote at all General Meetings of Sandown Community Association.

The Committee may expel someone from membership, provided it is in the best interest of the association to do so, and they are given the right to be heard by the Committee before the decision is made.  They can be accompanied by another person.

Membership shall be free to all persons meeting the membership criteria, and automatically renew       annually on the 1st April, unless cancelled by the member (or their representative) in writing.

All members must complete and submit a membership application form. This form can be completed and submitted via the internet or offline.

 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – AGM : The AGM must be held every year, at the end of May, or early June, with at least 21 days’ notice given, stating the agenda. Notice of the AGM will be placed on the town notice board and all online websites and social media pages of the Association.

  • At least 10 members must attend to form a quorum and vote on any item

Should a quorum not be present, the meeting shall be reconvened giving at least 14 days’ notice and, in this case, those attending shall be considered a quorum.

  • The Committee shall present the annual report and accounts for approval.
  • Any member may stand for election as a Committee member at the AGM, provided they are proposed and seconded by 2 full members of the Association.

COMMITTEE : The committee shall serve for one year and comprise of a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and 3 committee members. The Committee will stand down at the next AGM but shall be eligible for re-election.

  • The Committee shall hold at least 4 meetings each year.
  • At quorum of at least 50% of the Committee members must be at a committee meeting to be able to take decisions. Minutes shall be kept for every meeting.
  • The Committee must keep accounts which may be viewed by any member on request on giving 14 days’ notice.
  • During the year, the Committee may appoint up to 4 extra members on to the Committee who will stand down at the next AGM but are eligible for re-election.
  • The Committee may make reasonable additional rules for the proper conduct and management of the association. These rules must not conflict with this constitution or the law.

 MONEY :

  • Funds must be held in the group’s bank account. All cheques must be signed by
  • Funds cannot be used to pay Committee members except to refund approved legitimate expenses.
  • Funds and property must only be used for the purposes of the association.

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS : Special General Meetings may be called by the Committee for the following reasons.  All members must be told what change is proposed and given 21 days’ notice. Notice of the SGM will be placed on the town notice board and all online websites and social media pages of the Association. The rules regarding a quorum shall be the same as for the AGM for a vote to be passed.

  • Changing the Constitution – The constitution may be changed by a two thirds majority of members present and voting at a Special or Annual General Meeting. Proposals to change the constitution must be given in writing to the secretary at least 28 days before any general meeting.
  • Emergency Special General Meetings – to allow the members to decide on important issues.
  • Winding up – the group may be wound up by a two thirds majority of members present and voting at a Special General Meeting. Any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a group with similar purposes or some other charitable purpose as the association may decide.

In the event of a tied vote at any meeting of the Association, the Chair shall have an additional casting vote.

ADOPTION OF THIS CONSTITUTION : This constitution was adopted at the AGM on 2nd November 2018 and amended by way of a Special General Meeting vote on 30th March 2020