Registered Charity No 1108540

CONSTITUTION OF THE NORTH AND EAST DEVON PROSTATE SUPPORT ASSOCIATION

Our original Constitution was a simple 3 page document that suited our initial needs but before acceptance as a Registered Charity we had to conform to the more stringent requirements of the Charity Commissioners. Consequently a new Constitution was adopted on 27 January 2005. This stretches to some 17 pages but members may be interested in some of the more salient points.

First of all our objectives had to be redefined and so they are now expressed as follows;

To promote and protect the physical and mental health of sufferers of prostate cancer in North and East Devon through the provision of financial assistance, support, education and practical advice:

To advance the education of the general public in all areas relating to prostate cancer.

Previously our membership was restricted to men diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and their carers but that was considered restrictive and so it has now been opened up to all individuals over the age of 18 and organisations, corporate bodies and so on.

General meetings now only require 14 days instead of 21 days notice and a quorum is 5 members or one tenth of the total membership at the time. The Charity and its property is to be managed and administered by a committee consisting of its officers and other elected members and it is they (minimum of 3 with no maximum) who are the trustees of the Charity. All appointments are until the conclusion of the next AGM only but all incumbents are eligible for re-election at that AGM.

Nominations however must be submitted prior to the meeting in writing and be signed by the proposer and bear the signature of the nominee to show his or her willingness to be appointed. Nominations can not be accepted from the floor as previously provided.

The rest of the stuff is about the application of income and property, powers and proceedings of trustees, reports and returns required in terms of the Charities Act etc. The committee may also make rules or bye-laws for the conduct of any business.

Constitutions are not light reading and a full copy on the website would take up an inordinate amount of the available space. However, members (and the public at large) have a right to know the provisions of our constitution. If therefore anyone needs anything specific or wants a full copy I will be happy to provide them with the necessary information.

John Perratt

Secretary

E Mail perrattj@aol.com