Space for Men Constitution.

Constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation whose only voting member are its charity trustees (Foundation Model)

Name

The name of the group is Space for Men. Called ‘the group’ in these rules.

Aims of the group

  • To improve the mental well-being of men over 18 in Cambridgeshire.
  • To encourage men to be able to open-up and share their concerns and feelings with other men.
  • To create a safe, comfortable and supportive space where men can talk openly about their mental fitness, learn from each other, and build emotional resilience.
  • To raise the general understanding of the growing numbers of male suicides in England.
  • To secure funds to enable meetings to regularly take place in several locations in the County.
  • To try to reduce the stigma and pressure men feel around mental health concerns.
  • Encourage men to talk and listen.
  • To provide additional support and referral information for those who need more specialist help.

Powers

To further these aims, the group may exercise the following powers

  • To raise funds and receive contributions, donations and otherwise, provided that the group shall not undertake any permanent trading activity.
  • To hold meetings and bring together representatives of voluntary and statutory organisations, government departments and individuals as required.
  • To produce leaflets/posters to publicise group activities, promote and maintain a website.
  • To pay the necessary expenses involved in running the group.
  • To undertake any other lawful activity to further the group’s aims.

Membership

Membership of the group shall be open to any men over the age of 18 living in Cambridgeshire and in sympathy with the group’s aims and willing to abide by the group’s constitution. A membership fee of £10.00 per year will be levied

Each member will have one vote and will be eligible to stand for election onto the committee.

The group will be non-party-political, non-sectarian and will be committed to non-discriminatory practices and equal opportunities.

Management committee

The group shall elect a committee of between 3 – 4 members including Chair, Secretary and Treasurer who will direct the policy and management of the group. They shall be elected to serve for one year after which time they may stand for re-election. The chair will have a casting vote in the event of a tie.

The committee will have the power to co-opt members if it wishes to use this power to undertake responsibilities within the group, e.g. fundraising.

The committee will meet a minimum of four times a year. The quorum level will be set at four.

Meetings

General meetings will be held as often as necessary and at least four times a year.

An annual general meeting (AGM) of the group shall be held every year in the month of March. All members shall be notified not less than fourteen days before the meeting. An agenda will be circulated.  Business of the AGM will include electing the committee, reporting on the activities during the year, amendments to the constitution and approval of the group’s accounts.

An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) can be held at the chair’s discretion or by a written request to the chair of not less than four Members. The meeting shall be called within twenty-one days of such a request and appropriate measures taken to inform all members. An extraordinary general meeting should only consider the business specified in the request.

Finances

  • Any money raised shall be used to further the aims of the group and for no other purpose.
  • A bank account will be opened in the name of the group
  • The account will require two signatures on any cheque or other bank document (except paying in slips).There will be three signatories available to the treasurer for signing cheques. The group shall decide the signatories to any account set up in the name of the group.
  • A simple written note of the group’s financial position will be produced and available at committee meetings.
  • A statement of accounts verified by a competent person who is independent of the group shall be tabled at the AGM.
  • No member shall derive any financial benefit from the group, except for payment of reasonable expenses.
  • No money will be paid out in the name of the group without a receipt being presented.

Amendments to the constitution

If amendment(s) to the constitution are necessary, members will be informed in writing and given the opportunity to consider and vote on the amendments. The amendment(s) will be made if there is a two-thirds majority vote of members.

Dissolution

If the committee, by a simple majority, deem it advisable to dissolve the group, it shall call a meeting of all the members of the group, giving not less than14 days’ notice. If such a decision is confirmed by a majority of those present, then all the assets of the group shall be transferred to another local voluntary group or community group with similar aims.

adopted on the …………………. day of ……………………… 2025

Signed ……………………………………………...................……. (chair)

Signed ...................................................................... (treasurer)

Signed ...................................................................... (secretary)

 

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