CHARTER OF MEMBERSHIP

Culmore Community Partnership Aims

The aim of the Culmore Community Partnership is the promotion for the public benefit of urban and rural regeneration in the Culmore area of Derry City and its environs (the “area of benefit”), without distinction of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability/ability, race, political, religious or other opinion, by association the statutory authorities, voluntary organisations and the inhabitants in a common effort with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants. Culmore Community Partnership seeks to create a Culmore that is inclusive and cohesive; offers access to quality community spaces and programmes; is connected to the City and its neighboring areas. Our premises, Victoria Hall, will be established as a unique venue for local arts, culture, heritage and music.

 

What type of Charity is Culmore Community Partnership (CCP)?

APOLITICAL CHARITABLE COMPANY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

Reference Charities Commission NI

Charities must never support political parties. They cannot make political donations or give other financial support or resources. This is because it is a fundamental principle of charity law that it cannot be within the purposes of any charity to promote the interests of a political party.

Who is a Member?

In CCP the definition of ‘member’ is in fact by law defined as ‘ associate members’. This means that they are either supporters, donors or volunteers who do not have any constitutional role. They form an integral part of the Charitable Incorporation; their opinions and participation are important to CCP but they do not have any voting rights.

How do you become a Member?

Membership is granted through an application process.

• The application will be reviewed by the Project Manager/s.
• Their recommendations will be proposed to the Board of Trustees who will confirm the acceptance of a member.
• These application forms will be filed, and their details noted in a Register of Members.
• A GDPR and CCP membership acceptance form will be signed by the members.

Criteria for Membership

Access to membership may be properly limited where this is linked to the charity’s purposes.

• People living in Culmore – proof of address
• People involved with projects in Culmore
• People who bring in ‘specific skill sets’ which maybe lacking in CCP
• You need to be minimum three years as an active member of CCP if you wish to become or propose a Trustee to the Board.

Limit for Membership

Where practical reasons dictate a limit on membership numbers, such as limited space or where there is limited access to recreational facilities for health and safety reasons. In such cases it is reasonable to have a waiting list for membership provided the next available membership is offered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. At this present moment there are no limits and we welcome membership to its fullest extent.

Role and Privilege of a Member

A member has an important role to play. They will have a say on the direction that the Board of Trustees adopt for the activities of the Incorporated Charity, in this case CCP.

• Their opinion will be presented for consideration to the Trustees whose recommendation will be proposed to the Board of Trustees for confirmation.
• They will be invited to the AGM (Annual General Meeting) where they will be given the Annual Financial Report which they will have the right to question and confirm.
• They will also be given the Annual Report detailing the activities of the year to which they can freely give their opinions which will be minuted and noted for consideration in the future.
• They will also have the right to propose new Trustees to the Board. This will again be considered by the Trustees and proposed to the Board of Trustees for ratification.
• They will not have the right to vote for or against returning or new officers.
• They may also be invited to other meetings of the Board of Trustees if it concerns matters which affect the community, for example (but not exclusive) proposals for new projects. This will be at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
• They do not have any constitutional rights and do not have any vote at the meetings. However, their opinion will have the power to set the direction for CCP to enhance positive engagement with the Community within Culmore and the larger public.

 

Responsibility of a Member

With the privileges that come with being a member come responsibility. A member cannot just be a number, they need to show commitment and participation within the community and CCP

• They will be requested to attend the AGM and other meetings that they have been invited to.
• If they are unable to attend the meeting, a written apology(email/telephone/text) needs to be formally given with a reasonable excuse.
• If they fail to attend 3 consecutive meetings the membership will automatically default into cancellation.
• They will need to show participation within the community or CCP, by Volunteering for activities when requested or help with online participation, helping the CCP cause through social media, help with endorsements and sponsorship when possible.
• CCP would expect a Member to conduct themselves with dignity and follow the Code of Conduct when representing CCP in any forum. They should ensure that the name of CCP is upheld and not tarnish its image or bring disrepute to CCP in any form, verbal or otherwise.
• No member should solicit sponsorship in any form (advertisement, cash or kind) from the public in the name of CCP unless they have been given a written mandate to do so by the Board of Trustees.