Constitution of
University of Cumbria Students’ Union
(An unincorporated Association)
To take effect 1st July 2014
Approved by;
University of Cumbria Board of Directors: TBC
University of Cumbria Students’ Union Trustee Board: TBC
Referendum of the Members: TBC
Charity Commission: TBC
To be reviewed prior to July 2019
Registered Charity number: 1140647
Table of Contents andComments
Name, Objects andPowersPage4
This section describes theorganisation, its purpose, the activities it can engagein and theboundaries of its work.Itdescribes what happens if theorganisation wastobedissolved and how the constitution can be amended.
MembershipPage9
This section describes who the Members of thestudents’ union are.
ReferendaPage10
This section describes how areferendum maybecalled.
General MeetingsPage11
This section describes how general meetings arecalled and what businesswill takeplacewithin them.
TrusteesPage12
This section describes who the trustees are, how theyare appointed, how theycan beremoved and their powers.
Proceedings oftheTrusteesPage19
This section lays out howtrusteemeetings willbecalled and runand how trustees can makedecisions.
Student CouncilPage21
This section deals with thepowersand responsibilities ofstudent council.
GeneralPage21
This section deals with miscellaneous questions and atableof definitions and interpretations.
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Constitution of
University of Cumbria Students’ Union
BACKGROUND
A.University of Cumbria Students’ Union(the “Union”)isastudents’unionwithinthe meaning of theEducation Act 1994.The Union is devoted to theeducational interests and welfareof its Members.
B.TheUnion will seek at all times to:
(i)ensurethatthediversityofitsMembershipisrecognisedandthatequalaccessis available to all Membersofwhatever origin or orientation;
(ii)pursueitsaimsandobjectivesindependentofanypoliticalpartyorreligious group; and
(iii)pursueequalopportunitiesbytakingpositiveactionwithinthelawtofacilitate participation ofgroups discriminated against bysociety.
C.ThisConstitutionhasbeenstructuredtogivetheBoardofTrusteesreasonable authoritytomanagetheaffairsoftheUnioninaprofessionalmanner.TheMembers enjoytheright,whichmustbeexercisedinaccordancewithcharitylaw,toelecta proportionoftheTrusteesandtodismissalloftheTrustees.TheBoardofTrustees will give theutmost consideration to theviews ofMembers.
D.UndertheEducationAct1994,University of Cumbria (the “University”)hasastatutorydutyto ensurethattheUnionoperatesinafairanddemocraticmannerandisheldtoproper account forits finances.TheUniontherefore works alongsidethe UniversityinensuringthattheaffairsoftheUnionareproperlyconductedandthat the educational and welfareneeds of theUnion’sMembers aremet.
Definitions and Interpretation
1.ThemeaningsofanydefinedtermsusedinthisConstitutionaresetoutinClause [111].IfanydisputearisesinrelationtotheinterpretationofthisConstitutionorany ofthe Bye-Laws, it shall be resolved bytheBoard of Trustees.
Name
2.Thereshallbeastudents’unioninthenameofUniversity of Cumbria Students’ Union(and in this Constitution it is called “the Union”).
Objects
3.TheUnion’sobjectsaretheadvancementofeducationofStudentsat theUniversity of Cumbria forthe public benefit by:
3.1promotingtheinterestsandwelfareofStudentsatthe University during their courseof studyandrepresenting, supporting and advising Students;
3.2beingtherecognisedrepresentativechannelbetweenStudentsandthe Universityand anyother external bodies; and
3.3providing social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities and forums for discussions and debate for thepersonal development of itsStudents.
Powers
4.To furtherits objects,butnot to furtheranyotherpurpose, the Union may:
4.1provide services andfacilities forMembers;
4.2establish, support, promote and operate anetworkofstudent activities forMembers;
4.3supportanyRAGorsimilarfundraisingactivitiescarriedoutbyitsMembersfor charitablecauses,includingtheprovisionofadministrativesupport,bankingfacilities and actingas a holdingtrusteeof anyfunds raised;
4.4alone orwith other organisations:
4.4.1carryoutcampaigningactivities;
4.4.2seek to influencepublicopinion; and
4.4.3makerepresentationsto andseektoinfluencegovernmentalandother bodies and institutions
regardingthereform,developmentandimplementationofappropriatepolicies, legislationandregulationsprovidedthatallsuchactivitiesshallbeconfinedtothe activitieswhichanEnglishandWelshcharitymayproperlyundertakeandprovided thattheUnioncomplieswiththeEducationActandanyguidancepublishedbythe CharityCommission;
4.5write,make,commission,print,publishordistributematerialsorinformationorassist in these activities;
4.6promote,initiate,developorcarryouteducationandtrainingandarrange,provideor assist with exhibitions, lectures, meetings, seminars, displays or classes;
4.7promote,encourage,carryoutorcommissionresearch,surveys,studiesorotherwork and publish theuseful results;
4.8provide orappoint othersto provide advice,guidance, representation and advocacy;
4.9co-operatewithothercharitiesandbodiesandexchangeinformationandadvicewith them;
4.10become aMember, affiliate orassociate of other charities and bodies;
4.11support,setuporamalgamatewithothercharitieswithobjectsidenticalorsimilarto theUnion’sobjects,andactasorappointtrustees,agents,nomineesordelegatesto control andmanagesuchcharities;
4.12purchaseoracquirealloranyoftheproperty,assets,liabilitiesandengagementsof anycharitywith objects similar to theUnion’s objects;
4.13incorporateandtransferallitsassetstoacharitablelimitedliabilitylegalentity,and dissolveatanytimefollowingsuchincorporationandtransferiftheTrusteesconsider it appropriate to do so;
4.14raisefundsandinviteandreceivecontributionsfromanypersonprovidedthatthe Union shall not carryoutanytaxable trading activities in raisingfunds;
4.15borrowandraisemoneyonsuchtermsandsecurityastheUnionmaythinksuitable (but onlyin accordancewith the restrictions imposed bytheCharities Act1993);
4.16purchase,lease,hireorreceivepropertyofanykindincludingland,buildingsand equipment and maintain and equip it foruse;
4.17sell,manage,lease,mortgage,exchange,disposeofordealwithalloranyofits property(butonlyinaccordancewiththerestrictionsimposedbytheCharitiesAct 1993);
4.18make grants or loans ofmoneyandgiveguarantees;
4.19set aside funds forspecial purposes or as reservesagainst futureexpenditure;
4.20investanddealwiththeUnion’smoneynotimmediatelyrequiredforitsobjectsinor upon anyinvestments, securities, orproperty;
4.21delegatethemanagementofinvestmentstoanappropriatelyexperiencedand qualified financialexpert provided that:
4.21.1theinvestmentpolicyissetdowninwritingforthefinancialexpertbythe Trustees;
4.21.2everytransaction is reported promptlyto theTrustees;
4.21.3the performanceof theinvestment is reviewedregularlybytheTrustees;
4.21.4the Trustees areentitled to cancel thedelegation atanytime;
4.21.5theinvestmentpolicyandthedelegationarrangementsarereviewedat least onceayear;
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4.21.6allpaymentsduetothefinancialexpertare onascaleoratalevelwhichis agreed inadvance andarenotified promptlyto theTrustees on receipt; and
4.21.7thefinancialexpertmaynotdoanythingoutsidethepowersofthe Trustees;
4.22arrangeforinvestmentsorotherpropertyoftheUniontobeheldinthenameofa nominee(beingacompanyoralimitedliabilitypartnershipregisteredorhavingan establishedplaceofbusinessinEnglandandWales)underthecontroloftheTrustees orafinancialexpertactingundertheirinstructionsandtopayanyreasonablefee required;
4.23lendmoneyandgivecreditto,takesecurityforsuchloansorcreditandguaranteeor give securityfortheperformanceof contracts byanyperson or company;
4.24openandoperatebankingaccountsandotherfacilitiesforbankinganddraw,accept, endorse,negotiate,discount,issueorexecutenegotiableinstrumentssuchas promissorynotes orbillsof exchange;
4.25tradein the courseofcarryingout anyof its objects;
4.26establish or acquiresubsidiarycompanies to carryon anytaxable trade;
4.27subjecttoClause[5](Limitationonprivatebenefits),employandpayemployeesand professionals or other advisors;
4.28grantpensionsandretirementbenefitstoemployeesoftheUnionandtotheir dependentsandsubscribetofundsorschemesforprovidingpensionsandretirement benefits foremployees ofthe Union and their dependents;
4.29payoutofthefundsoftheUnionthecostofanypremiuminrespectofanyindemnity insurancetocovertheliabilityofthe Trustees(oranyofthem)whichbyvirtue ofany ruleoflawwouldotherwiseattachtotheminrespectofanynegligence,default, breachoftrustorbreachofdutyofwhichtheymaybeguiltyinrelationtotheUnion provided that no such insuranceshall extend to:
4.29.1anyclaimarisingfromanyliabilityincurredbytheTrusteestopayafine imposedin criminal proceedings orasumpayableto aregulatoryauthority bywayofapenaltyinrespectofnon-compliancewithanyrequirementof a regulatorynature (however arising);
4.29.2anyliabilityincurredbytheTrusteesindefendinganycriminal proceedingsinwhichtheTrusteesareconvictedofanoffencearisingout of anyfraud ordishonesty,orwilful or reckless misconduct; or
4.29.3anyliabilityincurredbytheTrusteestotheUnionthatarisesoutofany conductwhichtheTrusteesknew(ormustreasonablybeassumedtohave known)wasnotintheinterestsoftheUnionorinthecaseofwhichthey did not carewhetherit was in thebest interests ofthe Union or not; and
4.30do all suchotherlawful things as shall further the Union’s objects.
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5.Limitationon privatebenefits
5.1TheincomeandpropertyoftheUnionshallbeappliedsolelytowardsthepromotion ofits objects.
5.2ExceptasprovidedbelownopartoftheincomeandpropertyoftheUnionmaybe paidortransferreddirectlyorindirectlybywayofdividend,bonusorotherwiseby wayofprofittoanyMemberoftheUnion.Thisshallnotpreventanypaymentin good faith bytheUnion of:
5.2.1anypayments madetoanyMemberin theircapacityas abeneficiary ofthe Union;
5.2.2reasonableandproper remunerationto anyMemberfor anygoods or servicessuppliedtotheUnionprovidedthatifsuchMemberisaTrustee Clause[5.3]shall apply;
5.2.3interestonmoneylentbyanyMembertotheUnionatareasonableand proper rate; and
5.2.4anyreasonableandproperrentforpremisesletbyanyMembertothe Union.
5.3ExceptasprovidedbelownoTrusteemaysellgoods,servicesoranyinterestinland totheUnion;beemployedby,orreceiveanyremunerationfrom,theUnion;or receiveanyotherfinancialbenefitfromtheUnion.Thisshallnotpreventany payment in good faith bythe Union of:
5.3.1anypaymentsmadetoanyTrusteeorConnectedPersonintheircapacity as a beneficiaryof theUnion;
5.3.2reasonable and proper out of pocket expenses oftheTrustees;
5.3.3reasonableandproperremunerationtoanySabbaticalTrusteeor ConnectedPersonforanygoodsorservicessuppliedtotheUniononthe instructions of the Trustees provided that:
(a)fortheavoidanceofdoubt,theauthorisationunderthisprovisionshall extendtotheremunerationofSabbaticalTrusteesandConnected Persons under contractsof employment with theUnion;
(b)subjecttoClause[5.3.3(a)],theauthorisationunderthisprovisionshall not extend to the serviceof actingas Trustee;
(c)ifthepersonbeingremuneratedisaTrusteetheproceduredescribedin Clause[93](ConflictsofInterest)mustbefollowedinconsideringthe appointmentoftheTrusteeandinrelationtoanyotherdecisions regardingtheremuneration authorised bythis provision;
(d)ifthepersonbeingremuneratedisaConnectedPersontheprocedure describedinClause[93](Conflicts ofInterest)must befollowedbytherelevantTrusteeinrelationtoanydecisionsregardingsuchConnected Person;
(e)subjecttoClause[5.5],thisprovisionmaynotapplytomorethanhalf oftheTrusteesinanyfinancialyear(andforthesepurposessuch provisionshallbetreatedasapplyingtoaTrusteeifitappliestoa person who is aConnected Person in relation to thatTrustee);and
(f)at all times the provisions of theEducation Actare complied with;
5.3.4interestonmoneylentbyanyTrusteeorConnectedPersontotheUnionat a reasonable and proper rate;
5.3.5any reasonable and proper rent for premises let by any Trustee or Connected Personto theUnion;
5.3.6reasonable and proper premiums in respect of indemnity insurance effected in accordance withClause[4.29];
5.3.7any payments made to any Trustee or officer under the indemnity provisions set out at Clause[107]; and
5.3.8anypayments authorisedin writingbythe CharityCommission.
5.4[InClauses[5.2]and[5.3],referencestotheUnionshallbereadasreferencestothe Union and/or anySubsidiaryCompany.]
5.5WhereavacancyarisesontheBoardofTrusteeswiththeresultthatClause[5.3.3] applies to morethan halfofthe Trustees, theUnion maycontinueto payremuneration toitsSabbaticalTrusteesandanyConnectedPersonsreceivingremunerationin accordancewithClause[5.3.3]providedthattheUnionusesallreasonable endeavours tofill thevacancyas soon as possible.
Incorporation
6.TheMembersatageneralmeetingorbyReferendummayauthorisetheTrusteesto transfertheassetsandliabilitiesoftheUniontoalimitedliabilityentityestablished forexclusivelycharitablepurposeswiththesameorsimilarobjects,andtodissolve the Union at anytime followingthe transfer if it isconsideredappropriateto do so.
Dissolution
7.Ifany propertyremainsaftertheUnionhasbeenwoundupordissolvedandalldebts andliabilitieshavebeensatisfied,itshallnotbepaidtoordistributedamongthe MembersoftheUnion.Itshallinsteadbegivenortransferredtosomeother charitableinstitutionorinstitutionshavingsimilarobjectstothoseoftheUnionand whichprohibitsthedistributionofitsortheirincomeandpropertyamongitsortheir MemberstoanextentatleastasgreatasthisConstitutionimposesupontheUnion. Theinstitutionorinstitutionswhicharetobenefitshallbechosenbythe Trusteesof theUnion at or beforethe timeof windingup ordissolution.
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Amendments to theConstitution
8.TheTrusteesand the Universityshall reviewthis Constitutionin periods of no more thanfive years, with effect from thedate that this Constitution comes into effect.
9.NoamendmentofthisConstitutionshallbemadewhichwouldhavetheeffectofthe Union ceasingto be a charity.
10.Clause[3](Objects)andClause[5](Limitationonprivatebenefits)maynotbe amended without the priorwritten consent of theCharityCommission.
11.SavewheretheamendmenttotheConstitutionisaconsequentialamendmentduetoa changeintheBye-Laws(forexample,thenumberorheadingnamesofClauses),the Constitutionmaybeamended by:
11.1aresolutionoftheMemberspassedatageneralmeetingbyatleast2/3rd’softhose present and votingprovided the University approves the amendments (as required for the purposes of compliance with Section 22 of the Education Act).; or
11.2aresolutionpassedbya2/3rd’smajorityoftheMembersvotinginaReferendum provided that at least500Members cast a vote in the Referendumprovidedthe Universityapprovestheamendments(asrequiredforthe purposes of compliancewith Section 22 ofthe Education Act).
Membership Members
12.TheMembers of theUnion shall be asfollows:
12.1eachandeveryStudentwho is defined as ‘enrolled’ on a course of study provided by the University of Cumbria andwho hasnotoptedoutbynotifying the University orthe Unionofhis or her wish not tobeaMember ofthe Union; and
12.2theSabbatical Officers of theUnion.
13.Students defined by the University as ‘registered’ on a course of study validated/owned by the University, but provided by others, shall not be Member of the Union, but shall have access to the Union’s support services in relation to matters of relevance to the University of Cumbria’s academic regulations
14.Membershipshallnotbetransferableandshallceaseondeath.AMembershall automaticallyceaseto beaMember oftheUnion if:
14.1heorsheceasestobean enrolledStudent.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,thiswillincludethe situationwhereaMember’sStudentstatus with the University is revoked;
14.2heor sheceases to bea Sabbatical Officer and is not an enrolled student;
14.3heorsheoptsoutofMembershipbygivingwrittennoticetotheUnioninaccordance with theBye-Laws; or
14.4adecisionismade toremovehimorherfromMembershipoftheUnionin accordance with theUnion’s codeofconduct.
15.Members’ details shall be entered in a register of Members.
16.Members ofthe Union shall be entitled to thebenefits set out in theCodeof Practice.
AssociateMembers
17.TheStudentCouncilmayelecttoandremovefromassociateMembership oftheUnionsuchpersonsastheyconsidertobefit.TheStudentCouncil shalldeterminetheformofapplicationforassociateMembership,andassociate MembershipshallbesubjecttosuchrightsandobligationsastheStudent Council and Trustees consider appropriate.
18.AssociateMembersshallnotbeMembersforthepurposesofthisConstitutionand shall not be entitled to voteon anymatter.
Code of Conduct
19.TheTrusteeBoardwillestablishandmonitora“codeofconduct”thatallMembers shallberequiredtoadhereto,including whenMembersare involvedinactivitiesorat events that are administered or organised bythe Union.
20.Thecodeofconductmayincludearangeofsanctionsforbreachofthecodeof conductbyaMember,includingthesuspensionorremovalofanyoralloftherights and privileges of Membership, includingthe holdingof office.
Referenda
21.AReferendum maybe called on anyissueby:
21.1a resolution of theTrustees;
21.2a2/3rd’s majorityvote of theStudentCouncil; or
21.3aSecurePetitionsignedby atleast100Members,exceptinthecaseofa ReferendumtopassamotionofnoconfidenceinanElectedOfficerwheretheSecure Petitionmustbesignedbyatleast200Membersinaccordancewith Clause[55.1].
22.SubjecttoClauses [11.2]and[57.2],aresolutionmayonlybepassedbyReferendum ifatleast500MemberscastavoteintheReferendumandamajorityof the votes cast arein favourof theresolution.
23.Referendashall beconducted in accordancewith this Constitution and the Bye-Laws.
24.SubjecttoClause[66],theMembersmaysetPolicybyReferenda.Policysetby ReferendamayoverturnPolicyseteitherbytheMembersingeneralmeetingorby the Student Council.
General Meetings Annual General Meeting
25.TheUnionshallholdanannualgeneralmeetingonceineachcalendaryear.Not morethan18monthsshallpassbetweenthedateofoneannualgeneralmeetingandthenext. Theannualgeneralmeetingshallbeheldatsuchtimeandplaceasthe Trustees shall think suitable to allow themaximum number ofMembers toattend.
OtherGeneral Meetings
26.TheTrustees maycallageneralmeetingatanytime. TheTrustees shall call ageneral meetingonreceivingarequisitiontothateffect,signedbyatleast100 Members havingthe right to attend and vote atgeneral meetings.
LocationofMeetings
27.Annualandgeneralmeetingsmaybecarriedoutatonesinglevenueor simultaneouslyatseparatevenueswithavideo,audioorother real-timelinkbetweenallofthevenues.Atthestartofsuchmeetings,eachvenue mustindicatebymajorityvotethattheyaresatisfiedwiththemeetingset-upand technology.
Length ofNotice
28.A general meetingshallbe calledbyat least 14 clear days’ written notice.
Contents of Notice
29.Everynoticecallingageneralmeetingshallspecifytheplace,dayandtimeofthe meetingandthegeneralnatureofthebusinesstobetransacted.Ifthemeetingisan annualgeneralmeeting,thenoticemustsaysoandthebusinesstobetransactedshall include:
29.1ratification ofminutes ofprevious AGM;
29.2receivingthereport oftheTrustees on theUnion’s activities sincethe previous AGM;
29.3receivingtheaccounts oftheUnion forthe previous financialyear;
29.4appointment ofthe auditors;
29.5approvingthe list of affiliations of theUnion; and
29.6open questions to the Trustees bytheMembers.
ServiceofNotice
30.NoticeofgeneralmeetingsshallbegiventoeveryMemberandtotheTrusteesand anypatron oftheUnion.
Quorum
31.Nobusinessshallbetransactedatanygeneralmeetingunlessaquorumispresent. 100personsentitledtovoteuponthebusinesstobetransacted,each being aMember(but excludingTrustees), shall beaquorum.
32.Ifsuchaquorumisnotpresentwithinhalfanhourfromthetimeappointedforthe meeting,themeetingshallstandadjournedtothesamedayinthenextweekatthesametimeandplaceorto suchotherday,timeandplace as theTrustees may determine,andifattheadjournedmeetingaquorumisnotpresentwithinhalfanhour from thetime appointed forthe meetingthe Members present shall beaquorum.
Chair
33.ThechairofStudentCouncilorinhisorherabsencetheDeputyChairshallpreside as chair ofthe meeting.In theabsenceofthechairof Student Counciland theDeputy Chair, theMembers present and entitled to voteshall chooseoneoftheirnumberto be chair.
Attendance
34.A Trusteemay,even if not a Member, attendandspeak at anygeneral meeting.
Adjournment
35.Thechairmay,withtheconsentofameetingatwhichaquorumispresent(andshall ifsodirectedbythemeeting),adjournthemeetingfromtimetotimeandfromplace toplace,butnobusinessshallbetransactedatanadjournedmeetingotherthan businesswhichmightproperlyhavebeentransactedatthemeetinghadthe adjournmentnottakenplace.Whenameetingisadjournedforfourteendays ormore, atleastsevencleardays’noticeshallbegivenspecifyingthetimeandplaceofthe adjournedmeetingandthegeneralnatureofthebusinesstobetransacted.Otherwise it shall not benecessaryto giveanysuchnotice.
Votes ofMembers atGeneral Meetings
36.EveryMemberhastherighttoattendgeneralmeetingsandtherighttovote.A resolutionputtothevoteofageneralmeetingshallbedecidedonashowofhands, and everyMembershall haveonevote. A system of proxy voting may be used in accordance with the bye-laws, though a quorum of Members present must be maintained for any vote to proceed
37.Everyresolutionputtothevoteofageneralmeetingshallbedecidedbyasimple majorityof thevotes castunless this Constitutionprovides otherwise.
Trustees Appointment of Trustees
38.TheTrustees shall be madeup ofthefollowingpersons:
38.1notmorethanfive (5)SabbaticalTrustees,electedinaccordancewith Clauses [39]and[40];
38.2notmorethanthree (3)StudentTrustees,electedinaccordancewithClause [46];
38.3notmorethanthree (3) ExternalTrustees,appointedinaccordancewith Clause[50],
38.4Trustees may co-opt up to an additional two (2) External Trustees in response to an identified skills/experience requirement, appointed in accordance with clause [53],
Sabbatical Trustees andOfficers
39.TheSabbaticalOfficersshallbeelected bysecretballotbytheMembersoftheUnion at an election to be held in accordancewith theBye-Laws.
40.Uptofive (5) SabbaticalOfficersshallbeelectedinaccordancewithClause [39]topostsspecifiedintheBye-LawsandeachoftheseSabbaticalOfficersshall alsoholdofficeasaSabbaticalTrusteeuntilheorsheceasestobeaSabbatical OfficerinaccordancewithClause[57]orceasestobeaSabbaticalTrusteein accordancewithClauses[54],[55] or [56].Exceptwhereotherwiseindicated,references inthisConstitutionto“SabbaticalTrustees”aretoindividualsactingsolelyintheir capacityasSabbaticalTrustees.OtherSabbaticalOfficersmaybeelectedin accordancewithClause[39]tosuchotherpostsasmaybespecifiedintheBye-Laws fromtimetotimebutsuchSabbaticalOfficerswillnotalsoholdofficeasSabbatical Trustees.
41.TheSabbaticalOfficersshallremaininofficeforatermofoneyearcommencingin accordancewiththeBye-Laws.Thetermofofficemaybeshorterorlongerona transitionalbasistocoincidewithanalterationoftheyearstartorend.Subjecttoa transitionalchangeintheyearofoffice,aSabbaticalOfficermaybere-electedfora maximumfurthertermofoneyearbytheMembersoftheUnionatanelectiontobe heldinaccordancewiththeBye-Laws.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,aSabbatical Officer’sterms of officemaybe eitherconsecutiveor non-consecutive.
42.EachSabbaticalOfficermustbeaMember of the Unionatthetimeofhisor herelection.
43.TheSabbaticalOfficersshallbedeemedtobe“majorunionofficeholders”forthe purposes of Section 22 ofthe Education Act.
44.One Sabbatical Officer shall be designated by the Bye-Laws as ‘President’ of the Union and shall undertake the duties of primary liaison with the University, as required by the governing documents of the University. For the avoidance of doubt, this Officer shall not necessarily be the Chair of Trustees
45.AtthesametimeascommencingthetermofofficeasaSabbaticalOfficer,the SabbaticalOfficerwillenterintoacontractofemploymentwiththeUnionforaterm tobedetermined bythisConstitution.Thedutiesandmethodofremunerationofeach Sabbatical Trusteeshall be as set out in the Bye-Laws.
Student Trustees
46.SubjecttoClause [47]below,uptothree (3)StudentTrusteesshall beelectedbysecretballotbytheMembersatanelectiontobeheldinaccordance with theBye-Laws.
47.EachStudentTrusteemustbeaMember of the Unionatthetimeofhisorherelectionandmustcontinueto be aMemberforthe duration ofhis orher term asaStudent Trustee. Cessation of Membership shall result in the resignation of Trusteeship.
48.StudentTrusteesshallremaininofficeforaterm of one year commencingin accordancewiththeBye-Laws.Thetermofofficemaybeshorterorlongerona transitional basis to coincide with the alteration oftheyear start or end.
49.UnlesstheirappointmentisterminatedinaccordancewithClauses[54],[55]or[56],a Student Trusteemayserveamaximum of twoterms.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,aStudent Trustee’sterms of officemaybe eitherconsecutiveor non-consecutive.
External Trustees
50.Upto three (3)ExternalTrusteesshallbeappointedbyasimplemajorityvote oftheAppointmentsCommitteeprovidedthattheappointmentofeachExternal TrusteeisratifiedbyTrustees.For the avoidance ofdoubt,suchappointmentshallnottakeeffectuntilithasbeenratifiedbyTrustees.
51.UnlesstheirappointmentisterminatedinaccordancewithClauses[54],[55]or[56] ExternalTrusteesshallremaininofficeforatermofuptothreeyearscommencing in accordancewith theBye-Laws.
52.ExternalTrusteesmayserveamaximumoftwotermswhichmayeitherbe consecutiveor non-consecutive.
53.Trustees may direct the Appointments Committee to co-opt up to an additional two (2) External Trustees who shall be appointed solely on the basis of experience or skillset in response to an identified requirement for those skills/experiences. The rules relating to External Trustees above shall be applied to the terms and functions of co-opted External Trustees.
Disqualification, Resignationand Removal ofTrustees
54.Theofficeof aTrusteeshall bevacated if:
54.1heor shebecomes prohibited bylawfrom beingacharitytrustee;
54.2inthecaseofaSabbaticalTrustee,heorsheceasestobeaSabbaticalOfficer,oran employeeof theUnion;
54.3in the caseofaStudent Trustee, heor sheceases to beaMember;
54.4inthecaseofaSabbaticalTrusteeoraStudentTrustee,heorsheisremovedfrom Membership ofthe Union in accordancewith theUnion’s codeofconduct;
54.5heorsheresignsbynoticetotheUnion(butonlyifatleastfourTrusteeswill remain in officewhen thenoticeof resignation is to take effect);
54.6the Trusteesreasonablybelieveheorshe is sufferingfrom mental or physical disorder andisincapableofacting asatrustee andtheyresolvethatheorshebe removedfrom office;
54.7heorshefailstoattendthreeconsecutivemeetingsoftheTrusteesandinthe opinionoftheTrusteestherearenomitigatingcircumstancesforthatfailureandthe Trustees therefore resolvethat heor shebe removed forthis reason; or
54.8heor sheis removed from officeunder Clauses [55]or[56].
Removal ofTrustees by theMembers orthe Student Council
55.Theofficeof aTrusteeshall bevacated if:
55.1amotionofnoconfidenceintheTrusteeispassedbyasimplemajorityofthe MembersvotinginaReferendum,providedthatatleast500Members castavoteintheReferendum.SuchamotionshallonlybetriggeredbyaSecure Petition ofno confidencesigned byat least100Members; or
55.2amotionofnoconfidenceintheTrusteeispassedbyatwothirds majorityin a voteof the Student Council.
Removal ofTrustees by theBoard
56.TheofficeofExternalTrusteeshallbevacatedifamajority resolutionofnoconfidenceis passedbythe Trustees.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,the TrusteeconcernedandanyTrusteewhohasaconflictofinterestinrelationtothe mattershallnotvoteonthisresolutionandthequorumshallbeadjustedaccordingly in accordancewith Clause[84].
Removal ofElectedOfficers
57.An ElectedOfficer shallbe removedfrom officeif heor she:
57.1resigns or dies;
57.2is removed from office as an ElectedOfficer by:
57.2.1amotionofnoconfidenceintheElectedOfficerpassedbyasimplemajority oftheMembersvotinginaReferendum,providedthatatleast 500MemberscastavoteintheReferendum. SuchamotionshallonlybetriggeredbyaSecurePetitionofnoconfidencesignedbyatleast 100 Members; or
57.2.2amotion of noconfidencein the Elected Officer is passed byatwo thirds majorityvote oftheStudent Council providedthat,inthecaseofaSabbaticalOfficer,suchremovalshallbesubjecttothe UnionhavingfirstcarriedoutanystepsitisrequiredtotakeundertheSabbatical Officer’scontractofemploymentand/ortheapplicabledisciplinaryprocedureand otherwisein accordancewith good employment practice.
Replacement of Trustees
58.IfaSabbaticalTrusteeresigns,isdisqualifiedorremovedfromofficeatanytime priortothecommencementofsemester two of theAcademicYear,thevacancythatresultsonthe board ofTrustees shall be filled in accordancewith the Bye-Laws. AnypersonelectedunderthisClausemayberequiredtoassume the responsibilities ofthe Sabbatical Trustee.
59.IfaSabbaticalTrustee resigns,isdisqualifiedor removed fromofficeafter thecommencement of semester two of theAcademicYearthevacancyshallremainuntilthenext elections areheld.
60.IfaStudentTrusteeresigns,isdisqualifiedorremovedfromoffice,a Student Trusteemaybeelected to the vacancyin accordancewith Clause[46].
61.IfanExternalTrusteeresigns,isdisqualifiedorremovedfrom office,anExternal Trustee shall beappointed to the vacancyin accordancewith Clause[50].
62.If a co-opted External Trustee resigns, is disqualified or removed from office, Trustees shall consider the requirements for the skills previously provided before seeking further co-option in accordance with the usual rules for appointing External Trustees
Powers oftheTrustees
63.TheBoardofTrusteesshallberesponsibleforthemanagementandadministrationof theUnionand(subjectto theEducationAct,thisConstitution andtheBye-Laws)may exerciseallthepowersoftheUnion.AmeetingoftheTrusteesatwhichaquorumis present mayexercise allpowers exercisablebythe Trustees.
64.NoalterationofthisConstitutionortheBye-Lawsshallinvalidateanyprioractofthe Trustees which would havebeen valid if that alteration had not been made.
65.The Board’s powers under Clause [63] shall include but not be limited to responsibilityfor:
65.1the governanceof theUnion;
65.2the budget of theUnion;and
65.3the strategyof theUnion.
66.TheBoardofTrusteesmayoverrideanydecisionorPolicymadebytheMembersin generalmeetingorReferendumorbytheStudentCouncilwhichtheTrustees consider (in theirabsolute discretion):
66.1has or mayhave financial implications forthe Union;
66.2is ormaybein breach of,contrarytoorotherwiseinconsistentwithcharityor education laworanyother legal requirements (includingultravires);
66.3isnotormaynotbeinthebestinterestsoftheUnionoralloranyofitscharitable objects; or
66.4willormayotherwiseaffectthedischargeofanyoralloftheresponsibilitiesreferred to in Clause[65].
67.ThecontinuingTrusteesorasolecontinuingTrusteemayactnotwithstandingany vacanciesintheirnumber.However,ifandsolongasthenumberofTrusteesisless thanthenumberfixedasthequoruminClause[84],theTrusteesmayonlyactto increasethenumberofTrustees(including byarranginganelection)sothatthereisa quorum.
68.AllactsdonebyameetingofTrustees,orofacommitteeoftheTrustees,shallbe valid, even if it is laterdiscovered that anyTrusteewho participated in thevote:
68.1was not properlyappointed;
68.2was disqualified from holdingoffice;
68.3had vacated office; or
68.4was not entitled to vote.
DelegationofTrustees’powers
69.TheTrusteesmay,bypowerofattorneyorotherwise,appointanypersontobethe agent of the Union for such purposes and on suchconditions as theydetermine.
70.TheTrusteesmaydelegateanyoftheirpowersorfunctionstoanycommitteeorthe implementationofanyoftheirresolutionsandday-to-daymanagementoftheaffairsoftheUniontoanypersonorcommitteeinaccordancewiththeconditionssetoutin this Constitution.
Delegationto committees
71.In thecaseof delegation to committees:
71.1theresolutionmakingthatdelegationshallspecifythosewhoshallserveorbeasked toserveonsuchcommittee(thoughtheresolutionmayallowthecommitteetomake co-options up to aspecified number);
71.2subjecttoClause[73],thecompositionofanysuchcommitteeshallbeentirelyinthe discretionoftheTrusteesandmaycomprisesuchoftheirnumber(ifany)asthe resolution mayspecify;
71.3the deliberationsofanysuch committeeshall be reportedregularlytothe Trustees and anyresolutionpassedordecisiontakenbyanysuchcommitteeshallbereported forthwithtotheTrusteesandforthatpurposeeverycommitteeshallappointa secretary;
71.4all delegations under thisClauseshall be revocable at anytime; and
71.5theTrusteesmaymakesuchregulationsandimposesuchtermsandconditionsand givesuchmandatestoanysuchcommitteeorcommitteesastheymayfromtimeto time think fit.
72.TheTrusteesshallestablishthefollowingcommittees(whichisanon-exhaustivelist) in accordancewith theirpowers under Clauses [69]and [70]:
72.1Appointments Committee; and
72.2FinanceCommittee
Delegationofday-to-day management powers to ChiefExecutive
73.Inthecaseofdelegationoftheday-to-daymanagementoftheUniontotheChief Executive:
73.1thedelegatedpowershallbetomanagetheUnionbyimplementingthepolicyand strategy adoptedbyandwithinabudgetapprovedbytheTrusteesandifapplicableto advise theTrustees in relation to such policy, strategyand budget;
73.2theTrusteesshallprovidetheChief Executivewithadescriptionofhisorherrole and the extent ofhis or her authority;
73.3theChiefExecutiveshallreportregularlytotheTrusteesontheactivitiesundertaken inmanagingtheUnionandprovidethemregularlywithmanagementaccounts sufficient to explain the financial position ofthe Union; and
73.4theTrusteesshallprovidetheChiefExecutivewithaperformancemanagement structureto aid his or herwork plan and development.
Bank Account
74.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,theTrusteesmay(inaccordancewithClauses[69]and [70])delegateallfinancialmatterstoanycommitteeprovidedthatsuchcommittee shallincludeatleastoneTrustee.TheTrusteesmayempowersuchcommitteeto resolveupontheoperationofanybankaccountaccordingtosuchmandateasitshall thinkfitprovidedthatthesignatureofatleastoneTrusteeshallberequiredfor chequesaboveacertainamountassetoutintheBye-Lawsandprovidedalwaysthat nocommitteeshallincurexpenditureonbehalfoftheUnionexceptinaccordance with a budget which hasbeen approved bythe Trustees.
Proceedings ofCommittees
75.Themeetingsandproceedingsofanycommitteeshallbegovernedbytheprovisions ofthisConstitutionregulatingthemeetingsandproceedingsoftheTrusteessofaras thesameareapplicableandarenotsuperseded byanyBye-Lawsmadebythe Trustees andthe StudentCouncil.
Bye-Laws
76.TheTrusteesandtheStudentCouncilshallhavethepowerfromtimetotimeto jointlymake,repealoramendBye-LawsastothemanagementoftheUnionandits workingpracticesprovidedthatsuchBye-Lawsshallnotbeinconsistentwiththis Constitution.
Proceedings ofTrustees
77.SubjecttotheprovisionsofthisConstitutionandtheBye-Laws,theTrusteesmay regulatetheirproceedings as theythink fit.
Trustees’meetings
78.TheTrustees shall hold a minimum of fourmeetings in anyAcademicYear.
79.TwoTrusteesmay,andtheChiefExecutiveattherequestoftwoTrusteesshall, call ameetingof theTrustees.
80.Guests or observers can attend meetings of theTrustees at thediscretion ofthe Chair.
Length ofnotice
81.A Trustees’ meetingshall be called byat least sevenclear days’ noticeunless either:
81.1all the Trustees agreeto shorter notice; or
81.2urgent circumstancesrequireshorter notice.
Contents of notice
82.EverynoticecallingaTrustees’meetingshallspecifytheplace,dayandtimeofthe meeting and thegeneralparticulars of all business to be consideredat suchmeeting.
Serviceofnotice
83.NoticeofTrustees’meetingsshallbesenttoeachTrusteebypostorbyelectronic communication.
Quorum
84.ThequorumforTrustees’meetingsshallbefourandsuchquorummustincludeat leasttwoSabbaticalTrustees and one External Trustee.Wherethe resolutionorissueunderdiscussion concernsamatterinrespectofwhichsomeoralloftheTrusteeshaveaconflictof interest, thequorum shallbefour.
Chairand Deputy Chair
85.An Officer Trustee identified by the bye-laws, shall be theChair ofthe Trustees.
86.TheTrusteesshallappoint anExternalTrusteeto beDeputyChairoftheTrusteesandmayatanytimeremovehimorherfromoffice. Therole oftheDeputyChair will beto support the Chair in fulfilling his or her duties.
87.IntheabsenceoftheChairandtheDeputyChair,anotherTrusteeappointedbythe Trustees present shall presideas chair of themeeting.
Decision making by Trustees atmeetings
88.Questionsarisingatameetingshallbedecidedbyamajorityofvotes.Inthecaseof anequalityofvotes,theChairshallbeentitledtoacastingvoteinadditiontoany othervote heor shemayhave.
Virtual meetings
89.ATrustees’meetingmaybeheldbytelephoneorbytelevisualorotherelectronicor virtualmeansagreedbyresolutionoftheTrusteesinwhichallparticipantsmay communicate simultaneouslywith all other participants.
Trusteedecisions without a meeting
90.TheTrusteesmaytakeadecisionwithoutaTrustees’meetingby indicatingtoeachotherbyanymeans,includingwithoutlimitationbyelectronic communication,thattheyshareacommonviewonamatter.Suchadecisionmay, butneednot,taketheformofaresolutioninwriting,copiesofwhichhavebeen signed by eachTrusteeortowhicheachTrusteehasotherwiseindicatedagreementin writing.
91.Such a resolution shall require 2/3rds majority vote in favour to be upheld.
92.ATrustees’resolutionwhichismadeinaccordancewithClause[90]shallbeas validandeffectualasifithadbeenpassedatameetingoftheTrusteesdulyconvened and held, provided thefollowingconditions arecomplied with:
92.1approvalfromindividualTrusteesmustbereceivedbyonepersonbeingeithersuchperson asalltheTrusteesshallhavenominatedinadvanceforthatpurposeorsuchother personasvolunteersifnecessary(“theRecipient”),whichpersonmayforthe avoidanceof doubt, be oneof theTrustees;
92.2followingreceiptofresponsefromalloftheTrustees,theRecipientshall communicatetoalloftheTrusteesbyanymeanswhethertheresolutionhasbeen formallyapproved bytheTrustees in accordancewith this Clause;
92.3thedateofthedecisionshallbethedateofthecommunicationfromtheRecipient confirmingformal approval; and
92.4the Recipient preparesaminute ofthe decision in accordancewith Clause[99].
Conflicts of Interest
93.Wheneveramatteristobediscussedatameetingordecidedinaccordancewith Clause[90](Trusteedecisionswithoutameeting)andaTrusteehasaPersonalInterestinrespectofthatmatter then heor shemust:
93.1declarehis or her interestto theTrustees;
93.2remainonlyforsuchpartofthemeetingasintheviewoftheotherTrusteesis necessaryto inform thedebate;
93.3notbecountedinthequorumforthatpartofthemeetingordecision-making process; and
93.4withdraw duringthe voteand haveno vote on thematter.
94.IfanyquestionarisesastowhetheraTrusteehasaPersonalInterest,thequestion shall bedecided byamajoritydecision ofthe other Trustees.
95.Inparticular,Clause[93]shallapplytoanymatterthatmaydirectlyorindirectly relatetothepositionofaSabbaticalTrusteewhois, or istobe,remuneratedasan employeebythe Union.
Student Council
96.TheStudent Council shall havethe authorityto:
96.1represent thevoiceof the Students;
96.2subjecttoClause[66],setthePolicyoftheUnionandreferPolicytoReferendaofthe Membersorto theMembers in ageneral meeting(in accordancewith theBye-Laws);
96.3make,repealandamendtheBye-LawsjointlywiththeTrusteesinaccordancewith Clause[76];
97.ThecompositionandproceedingsoftheStudentCouncilshallbesetoutintheBye- Laws.NoMembermayholdmorethanoneseatontheStudentCouncilatanyone time.