Constitution for EcoTitchfield: Local Sustainability Action Group

These are the principles and information that Eco Titchfield will abide by.

1. Name

The name of the organisation shall be EcoTitchfield.

2. Charitable Purposes

The purposes of EcoTitchfield are:

To promote the conservation, protection, and improvement of the natural environment for the public benefit within the Titchfield Ward by:

  • Raising awareness and educating the local community on environmental issues, including biodiversity conservation and sustainable living practices.
  • Organising and supporting initiatives such as tree planting, community gardening, and habitat restoration to enhance local biodiversity.

To advance the education of the public in the subject of environmental sustainability by:

  • Providing workshops, seminars, and resources on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and carbon footprint reduction.
  • Engaging with local schools and community groups to promote environmental education and stewardship.

3. Structure and Participation

EcoTitchfield is a collective of five founding local residents who serve as the Steering Group.

Participation in EcoTitchfield’s activities as supporters and volunteers is open to all residents of the Titchfield Ward and

surrounding areas who support the organisation’s purposes.

4. Equal Opportunities

EcoTitchfield is committed to promoting equality and diversity and will not discriminate on the grounds of sex, race,

ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, religion, political belief, age, or marital status.

5. Governance and Roles

The Steering Group will manage the affairs of EcoTitchfield and will consist of the following roles:

  • Coordinator: Facilitates meetings, coordinates activities, and represents the organisation.
  • Communications Lead: Oversees public engagement, outreach, and dissemination of information.
  • Finance Lead: Manages financial matters, including maintaining records and reporting on expenditures.
  • Biodiversity Lead: Focuses on projects aimed at enhancing local biodiversity.
  • Sustainability Lead: Focuses on initiatives related to energy efficiency, waste reduction, and carbon footprint reduction.

Some if these roles may be held by the same individual. The Steering Group will meet at least four times a year to

review progress, plan activities, and make decisions.

6. Meetings

6.1 Open Meetings:

  • EcoTitchfield will hold open meetings at yearly to discuss ongoing projects, share progress, and plan future initiatives.
  • These meetings will be open to all interested local residents and community participants.
  • Notice of meetings will be shared at least two weeks in advance through local communication channels.

6.2 Steering Group Meetings:

  • The Steering Group will meet as necessary, and at least quarterly, to review the organisation’s activities and handle administrative matters.
  • Decisions will be made by consensus; if consensus cannot be reached, a simple majority vote will decide.

7. Rules of Procedure for Meetings

Meetings will aim to foster open discussion and consensus-based decision-making.

If consensus cannot be reached, a vote will be taken, with decisions made by a simple majority of the Steering Group.

The Coordinator will have the casting vote in the event of a tie.

8. Finances

  • EcoTitchfield’s finances will be managed through a designated bank account with at least two signatories from the Steering Group, including the Finance Lead.
  • Expenditure will be approved collectively by the Steering Group.
  • The Finance Lead will maintain accurate records of income and expenses and provide a financial update at each Steering Group meeting.
  • All funds will be used solely to support EcoTitchfield’s charitable purposes.

9. Amendments to the Constitution

Amendments to the constitution may be proposed by any member of the Steering Group.

Proposed amendments will be discussed at a Steering Group meeting or an Open Meeting and require a two-thirds

majority vote by the Steering Group for approval.

10. Dissolution

If the Steering Group decides that it is necessary to dissolve EcoTitchfield, a final Open Meeting will be called to agree on the dissolution.

Upon dissolution, any remaining funds or assets, after debts are paid, will be donated to a local environmental or

community organisation agreed upon at the final meeting.

This constitution was agreed upon of the core EcoTitchfield team 8th January 2025