West Berkshire ME and FM Group Constitution

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1. Title

1. The group will be called the West Berkshire ME & FM Group.

2. Aims and Objectives

1. To respect the confidentiality of members at all times.
2. To support anyone affected in any way by ME/CFS/CFIDS or FMS in West Berkshire.
3. To improve the care of anyone affected by ME/CFS/CFIDS or FMS in West Berkshire in any way we can.
4. To raise awareness of ME/CFS/CFIDS and FMS.
5. To, where possible, provide information to be used to improve the situation of people affected by ME/CFS/CFIDS and FMS in West Berkshire , for example, by the local NHS PCT.
6. To make contact with and work with other groups in order to best fulfil the above aims.

3. Methods

1. Members' contact details shall be kept on a secure computer and will only be used by members of the Administrative Committee to send out the group newsletter and other information relevant to the group. Members' contact details shall not be distributed to anyone outside of the Administrative Committee or used for any commercial purpose.
2. Information about members shall not be compiled without the permission of the members.
3. The group will meet at least once a month.
4. Informative meetings, such as talks, will be held monthly when possible.
5. Informal meetings will be encouraged.
6. Group activities will be organised when possible throughout the year.
7. Publicity and fundraising campaigns and events will be carried out to improve awareness, reach out to local sufferers who are not yet members and raise funds for the group.
8. Members of the Administrative Committee will contact and meet with such groups, organisations and individuals who can help the group achieve its aims.
9. The group will do all it can to promote the education of medical professionals locally in ME/CFS/CFIDS and FMS, by the use of such methods as informative packs, sponsorship to courses and campaigning the local NHS PCT.
10. Information will be supplied to members and other interested parties through the distribution of a monthly newsletter and the running of the website.
11. The Administrative Committee will gather, collate and selectively disseminate research materials and relevant news items to members through meetings and the media of the newsletter and website.

4. Membership

1. Full Membership is open to all those affected by ME/CFS/CFIDS or FMS in West Berkshire , including patients, carers, family and friends.
2. Membership is achieved through contact with a member of the group committee including via another member, or by attendance at a meeting, and the submission of a membership form or the information there on or by the submission of an online registration form.
3. Honorary membership is open to anyone interested in the group, at the discretion of the Administrative Committee.

5. Administration

1. The group will be organised by an Administrative Committee, which will consist of at least a Chairperson and a Secretary.
2. Positions in the Administrative Committee will be made, or confirmed, by election to that post at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
3. There shall be a quorum when at least the Chairperson or Secretary and one other member of the Administrative Committee are present at Committee Meetings.
4. This constitution will only be altered upon the agreement of at least two-thirds of the Administrative Committee.

6. Annual General Meeting

1. The time and place of the AGM will be determined by the Administrative Committee, but at least four weeks notice shall be given to members of an AGM.
2. The business of the AGM shall be: the election or re-election of Administrative Committee officials; the annual financial statement; and such other business as the Administrative Committee decides on.
3. The AGM shall be held within three months of the end of the financial year.

7. Annual General Meeting

1. The funds of the group, including all donations, contributions and bequests, shall be paid into a bank account held in the group's name and operated by the Administrative Committee.
2. The signatures of two designated members of the Administrative Committee shall be required for any withdrawal from the group's bank account.
3. A financial statement shall be prepared annually, for the financial year 1st April to 31st March, and presented at the AGM.

8. Dissolution

1. The group will only be closed if, by the end of an AGM, no Administrative Committee positions can be filled.
2. In the event of the group's closure, any remaining funds will be donated to the West Berkshire Neurological Alliance to continue to help people in the community with neurological conditions.