National Organisation of Residents Associations

The Organisation shall be called the National Organisation of Residents Associations.

The Aims of the Organisation shall be

• to promote the common interests of associations of residents in the United Kingdom as defined by their associations
  
• to provide a forum for member associations to exchange information and experience
  
• to draw attention to developments which may affect the quality of life in towns and cities
  
• to represent the interests of member associations collectively to regional and national authorities and other organisations
  
• and to monitor and comment on major issues affecting the quality of life of town and city residents, including planning, traffic management, licensing, cultural activities, community safety and policing.

Mode of Working will be

• to collect and provide information to member associations and other interested groups through an occasional newsletter and a web site and any other helpful means;
  
• to publicise achievements and problems of member associations and the Organisation itself through the media;
  
• to garner information and support by working in close contact with other national organisations with complementary interests.
  
  

Membership

Membership shall be open to all associations representing residents in the United Kingdom.

Honorary Officers

Members shall elect such officers as it may from time to time determine, but always including Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

The Committee

The policy and general management of the affairs of the Organisation shall be directed by a Committee which shall consist of six representatives of the individual member associations. The committee shall include the four Honorary Officers (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer) and two ordinary members of the Association. The Committee shall have power to co opt not more than three other persons. The Chairman shall hold office for three years. All other members shall retire annually, but shall be eligible for re election. Elections may be held by postal ballot. Once in each year in the month of January the Committee shall present to member associations an Annual Report of the Committee, the annual audited Statement of Accounts and the appointment of an Auditor.

Other Committees

The Committee shall have the power to appoint such sub committees as it shall from time to time determine.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting shall be held in March. At least 21 days' notice shall be given to all member associations by the secretary. The election of the committee shall take place at the Annual General Meeting. Nominations for officers and committee members must be submitted at least five days before the Annual General Meeting. Individuals nominated must have agreed to stand.

Special General Meeting

The Secretary shall, within 14 days of receiving a written request to do so by not less than 10 members, call a Special General Meeting of the Association. The agenda of any Special General Meeting shall be circulated to members not less than 14 days before the date of the meeting.

Subscriptions

The individual members shall pay such subscriptions as the Committee from time to time recommends. Subscriptions shall be due on 1 January each calendar year and payable to the Treasurer of the Association. On the recommendation of the Treasurer, the Committee shall have the authority to vary any individual subscription for new members joining after the start of the year.

Quorum

Decisions taken by the committee must be agreed by the majority of its members with not less than three members voting. The chairman shall have a casting vote.

Minutes

Minute books shall be kept by the Organisation, the Committee and all sub-committees.

Dissolution

If the Committee by a simple majority decides at a Special General Meeting time that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Organisation, it shall seek the approval of a simple majority of all member associations. Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities shall be applied towards charitable purposes for the benefit of the member residents associations.

Alterations to the Constitution

Any alterations to this Constitution attending an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting shall require the approval of two thirds of the members providing that the members have been given not less than 14 days notice in writing of the wording of the proposed alteration. Members unable to attend may appoint a proxy.