Constitution of Greener Berwick

1. Name and Objectives

1. The name of the group shall be Greener Berwick

2. The group is not affiliated to any political party

3. The group is affiliated to Friends of the Earth (FoE) Climate Action Network

4. The group shall work within Berwick and surrounding areas

2. The aims of the group are

1. To reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses at a local level by engaging with people, organisations, businesses and other environmental groups.

2. To hold events and share information that will serve members and related organisations.

3. To seek to influence decisions about climate change issues and policies through targeted campaigning and lobbying.

3. In order to achieve its aims the Group may:

1. Raise money

2. Open a bank account

3. Organise or attend events

4. Do media work

5. Lobby elected representatives

6. Work with other groups and exchange information

7. Do anything that is lawful which will help it to fulfil its aims

4. Involvement in Greener Berwick network

1. Becoming a member of the network is open to any person over the age of 16 supporting the aims of the group. Anyone under the age of 16 wishing to join should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

2. Becoming a member of the network  is open to anyone without regard to gender, race, nationality, disability, sexual preference, religion or belief.

3. Members of the network  shall be asked for their opinions as required via network mailing.

5. Management

1. A core group of members shall  constitute a “committee” to oversee management -  comprising two joint coordinators; treasurer;  leaders and members of the action groups. The committee will meet as required in order to make decisions

2. Action Groups will be developed to progress issues identified by the group which are relevant to the aims of Greener Berwick.

3. Network events should be organised regularly, be held in accessible venues and advertised publicly to encourage new members  to join.

4. The committee will manage members’ details in accordance with the latest General Data Protection Regulation.

5. The  group will have 2 main points of contact ( the co- coordinators) and one main contact for each action group. All members ( the committee and the action group members) will be encouraged to take on specific roles. The  members of the network will also be invited regularly to take on specific roles

6. The group can open a bank or building society account in the name specified above. It will have three signatories to the account, and at least two signatures shall be required on any transaction made from this account.

   For financial decisions:

   £100 or less - treasurer only

   £100-£500 - treasurer plus the 2 coordinators

   £500 plus - committee  decision

   Any money obtained by the group shall be used only for the group.

7. An AGM will be organised by the committee, which will decide on format and timing

6. Termination

The group shall be wound up by a vote at a General Meeting called for that purpose. Notice of intention to wind up the group must be sent to all members at least 14 days before any such meeting. At the meeting where it is decided to close the group, a decision shall also be taken as to what shall be done with any remaining funds.

Adopted:                 December 2022

To be reviewed:      December 2023