Constitution of Calderdale in Recovery

1. The aims of Calderdale in Recovery shall be:

a) To promote that recovery from addiction is possible to the people of Calderdale

b) To improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Calderdale affected by addiction

c) To develop support networks to help individuals maintain their recovery from addiction

d) To develop community based opportunities to support recovery through volunteering, enterprise, participation and networking

e) To reduce the stigma attached to those affected by addiction in Calderdale

2. Powers

In order to achieve its aims, Calderdale in Recovery may:

  • Raise money
  • Open bank accounts
  • Take out insurance
  • Obtain and pay for goods and services necessary to run the group
  • Organise activities and events
  • Work with similar groups and exchange information and advice with them
  • Do anything that is lawful which will help it to fulfil its aims

3. Membership

a) Membership of Calderdale in Recovery (Members) is open to individuals over 18 who live in Calderdale and are in recovery from addiction and who are interested in furthering the work of Calderdale in Recovery and who have paid any annual subscription agreed by the Management Committee.

b) Associate Membership (Associate Members) of Calderdale in Recovery is open to individuals over 18 who live in Calderdale and who are interested in furthering the work of Calderdale in Recovery and who have paid any annual subscription agreed by the Management Committee.

c) Group membership (Group Members) of Calderdale in Recovery is open to organisations for sponsorship purposes at the discretion of the Management Committee and who have paid any annual subscription agreed by the Management Committee.

3.1 – Every individual member will have one vote

3.2 – Group members may not vote

3.3 – The Management Committee may end the membership of any member for any good reason, at any time, by a majority vote at a committee meeting, as long as that member has the opportunity to make their case to the committee before they make their decision.

4. Management

4.1 – Calderdale in Recovery will be administered by a Management Committee of not less than 5 Members and not more than 15 elected at the Annual General Meeting.

4.2 – The Management Committee shall comprise not less than 80% from Members with the remaining 20% comprising Members or Associate Members.

4.3 – The Officers of the Management Committee shall be the Chairperson, the Secretary and the Treasurer.

4.4 – Decisions will be made by a majority of Committee Members present and voting. In the case of a tie, the Chairperson will have the casting vote.

4.5 – The Management Committee may appoint not more than 5 co-opted Members. All co-opted Committee Members may serve until the next AGM when they may stand for election by the members.

4.6 – The Management Committee will meet at least 4 times a year.

4.7 – At least 3 members of the committee must be present for a Management Committee to take place.

4.8 – Any member of the Management Committee who fails to attend two consecutive Committee meetings without notification shall lose their place on the committee which may be filled by co-option in accordance with the above.

4.9 – No member of the Management Committee, or anyone connected to them, shall receive any payment (other than reimbursement of out of pocket expenses).

5. Finances

5.1 – The funds of Calderdale in Recovery will be paid into an account in the name of Calderdale in Recovery operated by the Management Committee. All cheques and transactions must be signed by at least two members of the Management Committee and must be approved by the Management Committee.

5.2 – The funds belonging to Calderdale in Recovery shall be used only to further the aims of Calderdale in Recovery.

6. Annual General Meeting

6.1 – There shall be an AGM to be held as soon as possible after the end of the financial year.

6.2 – Members will be given at least 21 days notice of an AGM.

6.3 – The Management Committee will present the report and accounts of the preceding year at the Annual General Meeting.

6.4 – Nominations for election to the Management Committee must be made in writing to the Secretary no later than seven days prior to the AGM.

6.5 – The quorum for an AGM meeting will be 10 members

7. Special General Meeting

7.1 – The Management Committee or 10 members may call a Special General Meeting at any time with 7 days notice given to all members.

8. Quorum

8.1 – The quorum for any general meeting will be 10 members or one tenth of the membership at the time of the meeting, whichever is the greater.

9. Alterations to the Constitution

9.1 – Alterations to the Constitution of Calderdale in Recovery can only be made at a General Meeting after a proposal has been circulated to all members with notification (as in clause 6.2 above) of the proposed change, and the date, time and place of the meeting at which the proposed amendment will be discussed and voted on. Alterations to the constitution will require approval of two thirds of members present and voting at the meeting.

10. Winding up

Calderdale in Recovery can be wound up at a Special General Meeting called for that purpose.

The proposal to wind up Calderdale in Recovery must be advertised 14 days before the meeting.

The decision to wind up will require the approval of two thirds of members present and voting at the meeting.

Surplus funds of Calderdale in Recovery if it is dissolved, will be returned to the donor where possible. If this is not possible any funds left over will be donated to an organisation with similar aims following approval by two thirds of members present and voting at the meeting.

11. Constitution Adopted

This constitution was adopted by the members of Calderdale in Recovery at a meeting held on 28th October 2013.