Constitution for friends of Rufford

1. Membership

1.1 The Friends of Rufford group is open to membership by any member of the public willing to abide by the constitution of the group, on payment of an annual subscription charge, to be agreed by the group at its annual general meeting.

Membership may be terminated at any time by contacting the Secretary. Officers of our Country Parks Service past or present are not permitted to join the group, in case of any potential clash of interests.

1.2 Because the group is supported by us, anyone wishing to become a member must read and agree to abide by our policies on equal opportunities. Copies are available on request.

2. Officers, accounts and finances

2.1 The group should be run by a committee of four executive members. These officers should be elected at the groups’ annual general meeting:

• Chairperson
• Secretary
• Treasurer.

2.2 The quorum for any meeting shall be four. A list of members should be kept by the secretary, and minutes of meetings kept. Minimum membership is 10 people. If membership falls below this, the group will be regarded as no longer viable and the County Council may withdraw support.

2.3 A set of accounts for the group should be produced annually, and be open to inspection by members on request. The group should maintain a bank account, with two authorised signatures for any withdrawals made.

2.4 Authorised signatories should be currently elected committee members only. The proceeds of the group shall be applied soley in furthering the aims of the group.

2.5 No member shall benefit financially other than reasonable remuneration for out of pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the group.

2.6 In the event of the group dissolving, any remaining assets after debts and liabilities have been cleared shall be given to another non-profit making organisation of similar aims.

2.7 A condition of our support for the Group is that the Group arranges public liability insurance cover, and personal accident cover for members whilst engaged on Group business. (Low cost schemes are available through various agencies for example, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Country Parks Officers will help and advise).

3. County Council Support

3.1 We undertake to provide the following for one year. If the group continues after a year, levels of ongoing support will be agreed at the group’s AGM.

3.2 Free use of a meeting room at Rufford or Sherwood Forest Country Park, to a maximum of six meetings per year.

3.3 Start-up grant of £500 towards running costs of the group.

3.4 Attendance at group meetings of a Country Parks officer, to maximum of 6 meetings per year.

3.5 Incentives to membership, which may include reduced-price annual car park passes to invitations to special events & previews and periodic members’ offers in onsite retail & catering outlets.

4. The aims of a Friends Group are:

4.1 To improve, conserve, support and protect the country park for the enjoyment of all visitors, working in partnership with our Country Parks Service.

4.2 To act as a channel whereby park users and stakeholders can give user feedback to our Country Parks Service.

4.3 To carry out specific projects designed to enhance the park and it's facilities, (subject to the approval of the site manager and Head of the Country Parks Service). for example, grant-aided restoration projects.

4.4 To raise funds for the work of the group.

4.5 To provide opportunities for local communities to get actively involved in the parks on their doorstep.

4.6 To provide an opportunity for Country Park supporters to meet and socialise.