Constitution

Constitution of British Dupuytren’s Society

1 NAME

The charity’s name is British Dupuytren’s Society

2 THE PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY ARE:-

To improve the quality of life for people affected by Dupuytren’sDisease, Ledderhose’s Disease and related conditions by:

-providing improved support and information to people affected by theseconditions

-increasing public awareness of the conditions, thereby promotingearlier diagnosisand better choice of treatment options

-promoting the advancement of research into the prevention andtreatment ofthe conditions, and the coordination of research and trial projects

-promoting the use of new and innovative treatments both private andin theNHS

-promoting high standards of health care for people with Dupuytren’s Contactureand related conditions

3 TRUSTEES

The charity shall be managed by a committee of trustees who are appointedat the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the charity.

4 CARRYINGOUT THE PURPOSES

In order to carry out the charitable purposes, the trustees have thepower to:

  1. raise funds, receive grants and donations

  1. apply funds to carry out the work of the charity

  1. co-operatewith and support other organisations with similar purposes,especially the International Dupuytren Society.

  2. do anything which is lawful and necessary to achieve the purposes

5 MEMBERSHIP

The charity shall have amembership. People who support the work of the charity and are aged18 or over, and who agree to pay an annual subscription, can apply tothe trustees to become a member. Once accepted by the trustees,membership lasts for life or until cancelled by the member or thetrustees. The trustees will keep an up-to-date membership list.

The trustees may appointhonorary members at their discretion.

The trustees may remove aperson’s membership if they believe it is in the best interests ofthe charity. The member has the right to be heard by the trusteesbefore the decision is made and can be accompanied by a friend.

Medical Professionals will beinvited to become members of the Advisory Board.

The Advisory Board exists toevaluate research, and assist with surveys of patient data.

Medical Professionals may becometrustees, but there must always be a majority of patients among thetrustees.

6 ANNUALGENERAL MEETING – AGM

  1. The AGM must be held every year, with 28 days notice given to allmembers telling them what is on the agenda. Minutes must be kept of the AGM.

  1. The AGM can take place as telephone- or internet conference or in anpre-arranged location.

  1. Every member has one vote.

  1. The trustees shall present the annual report and accounts.

  1. Any member may stand for election as a trustee.

  1. Members shall elect between 3 and 10 trustees to serve for the next year. They will retire at the next AGM but may stand for re-election.

7 TRUSTEEMEETINGS

  1. Trustees must hold at least 3 meetings each year, by telephone or internetconference or at a pre-arranged location. At their first meetingafter the AGM they will elect a chair, treasurer and secretary. Trustees may act by majority decision.

  1. At least 3 trustees must be present at the meeting to be able to takedecisions. Minutes shall be kept for every meeting.

  1. If trustees have a conflict of interest they must declare it and leavethe meeting while this matter is being discussed or decided.

  1. During the year, the trustees may appoint up to 2 additional trustees. They will stand down at the next AGM and can be re-elected.

  1. The trustees may make reasonable additional rules to help run thecharity. These rules must not conflict with this constitution orthe law.

8 MONEYAND PROPERTY

  1. Money and property must only be used for the charity’s purposes.

  1. Trustees must keep accounts. The most recent annual accounts can be seen byanybody on request.

  1. Trustees cannot receive any money or property from the charity, except torefund reasonable out of pocket expenses, to be decided by the othertrustees or at the next AGM.

  1. Money must be held in the charity’s bank account. All payments out ofthe account must be authorisedby 2 trustees, to be appointed at the yearly AGM.

9 GENERALMEETINGS

If the Trustees consider it isnecessary to change the constitution, or wind up the charity, theymust call a General Meeting so that the membership can make thedecision. Trustees must also call a General Meeting if they receivea written request from the majority of members. All members must begiven 28 days notice and told the reason for the meeting. Alldecisions require a two thirds majority. Minutes must be kept.

  1. Winding up – any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a charity with similar purposes to this one.

  1. Changes to the Constitution – can be made at AGMs or General Meetings. No change can be made thatwould make the organisation no longer a charity.

  1. General Meeting – called onwritten request from a majority of members.

  1. Trustees may also call a General Meeting to consult the membership

10 SETTINGUP THE CHARITY

This constitution was adopted on 1 August 2011 by the people whosesignatures appear below. They are the first members of the charityand will be the trustees until the AGM, which must be held within oneyear of this date.

J Proctor, H Orton, A Schurer