Eligibility and Rules for Membership of the Benenden Village Trust

NB. Rules for membership are set out in full in the constitution of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Nothing in this précis supersedes those rules. 

1. Any resident of the Parish of Benenden aged 18 or over is eligible for membership of The Benenden Village Trust (BVT) at the discretion of the Trustees.

2. Any business located within the Parish of Benenden is eligible to nominate one representative for membership at the discretion of the Trustees.

3.  Application for membership shall be to the BVT Manager by email, letter or in person using the attached form.

4. Membership is free for all agreeing to communicate with the Trust by email alone. Membership shall be £5 per year if postal communication is required.  The Manager will keep a record of all members in accordance with provisions of relevant data protection legislation.

5. Members are entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or any Special General Meeting (SGM) of the BVT.

6. Members are entitled to vote on motions at an AGM or SGM.

7.  Members are entitled to propose a motion for consideration at the AGM or an SGM as long as it has the support of two other members and is received at least 30 days before the date of the meeting.  If a majority of members table a resolution in writing for consideration without a general meeting, it shall be sent to all members eligible to vote and decided by a simple majority of those voting  subject to all provisions in the CIO’s constitution .

8. Generally a motion or resolution shall be passed if it is agreed by a simple majority of members and Trustees present at the meeting. Motions shall only be binding on Trustees if they accord with the Trust’s Aims and Objectives and do not require Trustees to take any action at variance with their legal or fiduciary duties as Trustees.

9. If at least 10% of the members of the CIO so request, the Trustees must call a Special General Meeting (SGM). If at least 10% of the members of the CIO so request, the Trustees must make a proposal for decision by the members.

10. Members may nominate  individuals to stand for election as Trustees for election 30 days in advance or at an AGM as long as they have the written support of at least two other members and written consent of the individual/s concerned.. If the number of nominations exceed the limit of Trustee positions a numbered preferential voting system will be used.

11. Members shall be entitled to speak at an AGM or question Trustees for such length of time as shall be determined by the chair.

12. Members unable to attend an AGM may vote by proxy by submitting a proxy voting form to the Manager at least three days before the date of the AGM.

13.  Members may propose a vote of no confidence in any Trustee as long as that proposal has the written support of at least one third of the membership and receives the support of two-thirds of members voting at an AGM or SGM.

14.  The BVT shall keep members informed periodically of the activities of the BVT.

15.  BVT shall publish annual accounts in accordance with Charity Commission rules and best practice. 14 days before the AGM, a summary will be circulated  and a full set of accounts shall be made available to members, on application to the Manager.

16.  Membership of the BVT shall end when a member resigns or ceases to live in the parish or ceases to be employed by  a business there.

17.  Trustees may terminate the membership of any individual who is deemed to have brought the Trust into disrepute.

18. Trustees may amend these rules subject to a proposal and vote in favour at an AGM or a SGM.