Renfrewshire Interfaith Group:
constitution
1. Name
The name of the Association is Renfrewshire Interfaith Group.
2. Administration
Subject to the matters set out below, the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall be administered and managed in accordance with this constitution by the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group.
3. Aims
i. To work together with Renfrewshire Council and others to foster understanding and co-operation between the faith communities in Renfrewshire.
ii. To increase understanding of the positive role that the faith communities can play in society.
iii. To improve the quality of life of local people by working together on agreed projects in order to demonstrate our commitment to working in partnership between people of different faith and public bodies.
4. Objectives
i. To work towards racial and religious equality in all areas of life.
ii. To promote the positive role of faith communities in daily living.
iii. To play an active role in supporting the work and priorities of the Local Community Planning and thereby influencing the work of key public, private, voluntary and community sector agencies and groups in all areas of public life.
iv. To play a positive and inclusive role in civic events on public occasions.
v. To initiate projects as agreed by Renfrewshire Interfaith Group and to obtain funding as required.
vi. For faith communities to share concerns and to provide mutual support.
vii. To improve communication links between faith communities.
viii. To be aware of any projects to improve mutual understanding or meeting the needs of the local community and to support such projects where appropriate.
ix. To promote community cohesion, within Renfrewshire.
5. Powers
In furtherance of the objects but not otherwise the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group may exercise the following powers:
i. power to raise funds and to invite and receive contributions providing that in raising funds Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall not undertake any substantial permanent trading activities and shall conform to any relevant requirements of the law
ii. power to buy, take on lease or in exchange any property necessary for the achievement of the objects and to maintain and equip it for use
iii. power subject to any consents required by law to sell, lease or dispose of all or any part of the property of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group
iv. power to employ such staff as are necessary for the proper pursuit of the objects and to make all reasonable and necessary provision for the payment of pensions and superannuation for staff and their dependants
v. power to co-operate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities operating in furtherance of the objects or of a similar charitable purposes and to exchange information and advice with them
vi. power to establish or support any charitable trusts, associations or institutions formed for all or any of the objectives
vii. power to appoint and constitute such advisory committees as Renfrewshire Interfaith Group may think fit
viii. power to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the objects
ix. all such transactions should be in accord with any represented faith teachings
6. Membership
Membership of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall be open to all people who live or work in Renfrewshire and environs, or whose regular place of worship is in Renfrewshire.
If or when Renfrewshire Interfaith Group decides to develop election based membership; members will be elected from each faith tradition and members shall be appointed to Renfrewshire Interfaith Group for a term of 3 years, after which they shall be eligible for reappointment.
a. every member shall have one vote
b. Members will use their best endeavours to report back to their faith communities on the work of the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group
c. 4 non-voting places shall be available for co-opted members at the discretion of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, with the right to speak but not to vote
d. Renfrewshire Interfaith Group may unanimously, and for good reason, suspend the membership of any individual or member organisation; provided that the individual concerned, or the appointed representative of the member organisation concerned (as the case may be), shall have the right to be heard by the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, accompanied by a friend or representative before a final decision on termination of membership is made.
7.The Key Honorary officers of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group
At the first meeting of the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group in alternate calendar years, Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall elect or appoint from amongst themselves a Chair, a Vice Chair, a secretary and a Treasurer as Key Honorary Officers of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, who shall hold office for 1 year. The key honorary officers will be elected from different faiths and there will be a rotation between the faiths represented on Renfrewshire Interfaith Group as regards the Chair and Vice Chair.
8. Cessation of Membership of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group
A member may resign at any time notifying that wish to Renfrewshire Interfaith Group who shall then invite the nominating faith community concerned to make a replacement appointment.
9. General duties of members of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group
No member of the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall acquire any interest in property belonging to Renfrewshire Interfaith Group or receive remuneration or be interested (otherwise than as a member of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group) in any contract entered into by Renfrewshire Interfaith Group.
10. Meeting and Proceedings of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group
Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall normally hold a minimum of 4 ordinary meetings each year, plus an Annual General Meeting to elect Key Officers and decide Renfrewshire Interfaith Group’s work programme for the coming year.
A special meeting may be called at any time by the chairperson or by any two members of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group upon not less than 14 days notice being given to the other members.
i) The Chair shall preside at all the meetings of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group. If the Chair is absent from any meeting, the Vice Chair will preside. In the absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair, the members present will elect one of their number as Chair for that particular meeting.
ii) 4 members of the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group will form the Quorum
iii) Elected members shall endeavour to determine every matter by consensus of opinion. However when this is not possible decisions will be made by a majority of votes of the elected members of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group present and voting on the question. In the case of equality of votes the Chair of the meeting shall have a second casting vote.
iv) Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its meetings and shall receive the minutes of any sub-committees
v) Renfrewshire Interfaith Group may appoint one or more sub-committees consisting of three or more members of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group for the purpose of making an inquiry or supervising or performing any function or duty which in the opinion of the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group would be conveniently undertaken or carried out by a sub-committee. The work of the sub-committees shall be fully and promptly reported to Renfrewshire Interfaith Group and, if necessary, approved by it
vi) The proceedings of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall not be invalidated by any vacancy among their number or by any failure to appoint or any defect in the appointment or qualification of a member
11. Receipts and Expenditure
i) Any funds of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, including donations, contributions, grants and bequests, shall be paid into an account operated by Renfrewshire Interfaith Group in the name of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group at such bank as it shall from time to time decide. All cheques drawn on the account must be signed by at least two out of the four key officers listed in paragraph 7 above of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group and any expenditure must be properly accounted for to the Treasurer, to whom receipts for all expenditure must be given and who will then keep them on record
ii) Any funds belonging to Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, shall be applied only in furthering the aims and objects detailed in this Constitution
12. Accounts
Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, through its Treasurer, shall:
i) Keep appropriate accounts
ii) Prepare an annual financial statement and the annual accounts
iii) Arrange for the annual accounts to be audited/ inspected
13. Annual Report
Each year, the Chair of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall produce an annual report, to which the Treasurer’s financial statement for that year will be appended.
14. Alternations to the Constitution
The constitution may not be altered unless the notice of the meeting includes notice of the proposal to do so which sets out in full the exact terms of the alteration proposed. The constitution may then only be altered by a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members present at Renfrewshire Interfaith Group meeting, and only then providing that at least four faiths are represented at the meeting.
15. Dissolution
If Renfrewshire Interfaith Group decides that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve itself, it shall call a meeting of all members of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, of which not less than 21 days notice, stating the terms of the resolution to be proposed, shall be given. If the proposal is confirmed by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting, the Group shall have the power to realise any assets held by or on behalf of the Group. Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities shall be given or transferred to such other charitable institution or institutions, having objects similar to the objects of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, as the members of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group may determine, or failing that, shall be applied for some other charitable purpose.
The name of the Association is Renfrewshire Interfaith Group.
2. Administration
Subject to the matters set out below, the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall be administered and managed in accordance with this constitution by the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group.
3. Aims
i. To work together with Renfrewshire Council and others to foster understanding and co-operation between the faith communities in Renfrewshire.
ii. To increase understanding of the positive role that the faith communities can play in society.
iii. To improve the quality of life of local people by working together on agreed projects in order to demonstrate our commitment to working in partnership between people of different faith and public bodies.
4. Objectives
i. To work towards racial and religious equality in all areas of life.
ii. To promote the positive role of faith communities in daily living.
iii. To play an active role in supporting the work and priorities of the Local Community Planning and thereby influencing the work of key public, private, voluntary and community sector agencies and groups in all areas of public life.
iv. To play a positive and inclusive role in civic events on public occasions.
v. To initiate projects as agreed by Renfrewshire Interfaith Group and to obtain funding as required.
vi. For faith communities to share concerns and to provide mutual support.
vii. To improve communication links between faith communities.
viii. To be aware of any projects to improve mutual understanding or meeting the needs of the local community and to support such projects where appropriate.
ix. To promote community cohesion, within Renfrewshire.
5. Powers
In furtherance of the objects but not otherwise the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group may exercise the following powers:
i. power to raise funds and to invite and receive contributions providing that in raising funds Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall not undertake any substantial permanent trading activities and shall conform to any relevant requirements of the law
ii. power to buy, take on lease or in exchange any property necessary for the achievement of the objects and to maintain and equip it for use
iii. power subject to any consents required by law to sell, lease or dispose of all or any part of the property of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group
iv. power to employ such staff as are necessary for the proper pursuit of the objects and to make all reasonable and necessary provision for the payment of pensions and superannuation for staff and their dependants
v. power to co-operate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities operating in furtherance of the objects or of a similar charitable purposes and to exchange information and advice with them
vi. power to establish or support any charitable trusts, associations or institutions formed for all or any of the objectives
vii. power to appoint and constitute such advisory committees as Renfrewshire Interfaith Group may think fit
viii. power to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the objects
ix. all such transactions should be in accord with any represented faith teachings
6. Membership
Membership of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall be open to all people who live or work in Renfrewshire and environs, or whose regular place of worship is in Renfrewshire.
If or when Renfrewshire Interfaith Group decides to develop election based membership; members will be elected from each faith tradition and members shall be appointed to Renfrewshire Interfaith Group for a term of 3 years, after which they shall be eligible for reappointment.
a. every member shall have one vote
b. Members will use their best endeavours to report back to their faith communities on the work of the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group
c. 4 non-voting places shall be available for co-opted members at the discretion of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, with the right to speak but not to vote
d. Renfrewshire Interfaith Group may unanimously, and for good reason, suspend the membership of any individual or member organisation; provided that the individual concerned, or the appointed representative of the member organisation concerned (as the case may be), shall have the right to be heard by the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, accompanied by a friend or representative before a final decision on termination of membership is made.
7.The Key Honorary officers of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group
At the first meeting of the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group in alternate calendar years, Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall elect or appoint from amongst themselves a Chair, a Vice Chair, a secretary and a Treasurer as Key Honorary Officers of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, who shall hold office for 1 year. The key honorary officers will be elected from different faiths and there will be a rotation between the faiths represented on Renfrewshire Interfaith Group as regards the Chair and Vice Chair.
8. Cessation of Membership of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group
A member may resign at any time notifying that wish to Renfrewshire Interfaith Group who shall then invite the nominating faith community concerned to make a replacement appointment.
9. General duties of members of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group
No member of the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall acquire any interest in property belonging to Renfrewshire Interfaith Group or receive remuneration or be interested (otherwise than as a member of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group) in any contract entered into by Renfrewshire Interfaith Group.
10. Meeting and Proceedings of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group
Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall normally hold a minimum of 4 ordinary meetings each year, plus an Annual General Meeting to elect Key Officers and decide Renfrewshire Interfaith Group’s work programme for the coming year.
A special meeting may be called at any time by the chairperson or by any two members of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group upon not less than 14 days notice being given to the other members.
i) The Chair shall preside at all the meetings of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group. If the Chair is absent from any meeting, the Vice Chair will preside. In the absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair, the members present will elect one of their number as Chair for that particular meeting.
ii) 4 members of the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group will form the Quorum
iii) Elected members shall endeavour to determine every matter by consensus of opinion. However when this is not possible decisions will be made by a majority of votes of the elected members of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group present and voting on the question. In the case of equality of votes the Chair of the meeting shall have a second casting vote.
iv) Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its meetings and shall receive the minutes of any sub-committees
v) Renfrewshire Interfaith Group may appoint one or more sub-committees consisting of three or more members of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group for the purpose of making an inquiry or supervising or performing any function or duty which in the opinion of the Renfrewshire Interfaith Group would be conveniently undertaken or carried out by a sub-committee. The work of the sub-committees shall be fully and promptly reported to Renfrewshire Interfaith Group and, if necessary, approved by it
vi) The proceedings of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall not be invalidated by any vacancy among their number or by any failure to appoint or any defect in the appointment or qualification of a member
11. Receipts and Expenditure
i) Any funds of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, including donations, contributions, grants and bequests, shall be paid into an account operated by Renfrewshire Interfaith Group in the name of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group at such bank as it shall from time to time decide. All cheques drawn on the account must be signed by at least two out of the four key officers listed in paragraph 7 above of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group and any expenditure must be properly accounted for to the Treasurer, to whom receipts for all expenditure must be given and who will then keep them on record
ii) Any funds belonging to Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, shall be applied only in furthering the aims and objects detailed in this Constitution
12. Accounts
Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, through its Treasurer, shall:
i) Keep appropriate accounts
ii) Prepare an annual financial statement and the annual accounts
iii) Arrange for the annual accounts to be audited/ inspected
13. Annual Report
Each year, the Chair of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group shall produce an annual report, to which the Treasurer’s financial statement for that year will be appended.
14. Alternations to the Constitution
The constitution may not be altered unless the notice of the meeting includes notice of the proposal to do so which sets out in full the exact terms of the alteration proposed. The constitution may then only be altered by a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members present at Renfrewshire Interfaith Group meeting, and only then providing that at least four faiths are represented at the meeting.
15. Dissolution
If Renfrewshire Interfaith Group decides that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve itself, it shall call a meeting of all members of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, of which not less than 21 days notice, stating the terms of the resolution to be proposed, shall be given. If the proposal is confirmed by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting, the Group shall have the power to realise any assets held by or on behalf of the Group. Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities shall be given or transferred to such other charitable institution or institutions, having objects similar to the objects of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group, as the members of Renfrewshire Interfaith Group may determine, or failing that, shall be applied for some other charitable purpose.