THE FERRYHILL HISTORY SOCIETY AND HERITAGE CENTRE

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

The Ferryhill History Society acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, social-economic background, all children

 have a positive and enjoyable experience  in a safe and child centred environment

 are protected from abuse whilst participating in activities provided by the organisation

The Ferryhill History Society acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.   

As part of our safeguarding policy The Ferryhill History Society will

 promote and prioritize the safety and well-being of children and young people

 ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognize, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people

 ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern

 ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored

 prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals

 Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in The Ferryhill History Society. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed immediately and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organization.

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

 changes in legislation and/or government guidance

 as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, UK as a result of any other significant change or event.

(Last reviewed Mar 2018)

THE CONSTITUTION

FERRYHILL HISTORY, SOCIETY and Ferryhill HERITAGE CENTRE

1.0 NAME

1.1 Ferryhill History Society

2.0 AIM

2.1 To provide opportunities for the residents of Ferryhill and the Surrounding area to engage   in the study and appreciation of the history of Ferryhill and the North East in general, including geographical, social and economic aspects of the region's development.

2.2 To educate the local community on the heritage of Ferryhill and the surrounding area by all means available including the heritage centre.

3.0 OBJECTIVES

3.1 Provide the mechanism by which the Society can meet on a regular basis to discuss its activities, receive presentations from appropriate speakers and conduct other business as required for the existence and development of the Society.

3.2 Arrange and undertake visits to places of historical interest.

3.3 Raise funds by any lawful manner except permanent trading, apply for grants and receive donations as appropriate, to further the aim of the Society and the Heritage Centre.

3.4 Enable the opening and running of the Heritage Centre for the benefit of the local community

4,0 POWERS

In furtherance of the aim, but not otherwise, the Society may:

4.1 Raise funds by any lawful manner except permanent trading.

4.2 Accept gifts, either for the general purposes or for a specific purpose associated with the aim of the Society and the running of the Heritage Centre.

5.0 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

5.1 The Executive Committee is the body responsible for the management of the Society. It may establish Sub-Committees to oversee major activities, organise and run the Heritage Centre, or and to handle special projects undertaken by the Society.

5.2 The Executive Committee will comprise of an (annually) elected Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer plus a maximum of six elected members.

5.3 A minimum of six Committee members are required to be a quorum.

5.4 At all meetings of the Society, the vote of the majority shall prevail and in the case of an equality of votes, the Chairman shall have the casting vote.

5.5 The Executive Committee may co-opt additional members if it is deemed that their inclusion will further the aim of the Society. Such additional members will be subject to election at the next Annual General Meeting.

5.6 If an Executive Committee member is unable to fulfil his/her term of office, the Committee may co-opt a member to fill his/her position until the next Annual General Meeting.

5.7 The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Society. He/she shall supervise the      activities of the Society and perform such duties as agreed by the Executive Committee.

5.8 If for any reason, the Chairman is unable to perform his/her duties, the Vice Chairman shall perform such duties and have the same authority as those bestowed upon the Chairman.

6,0 MEMBERSHIP

6.1 Membership shall be open to any individual and will be confined by the Executive Committee upon receipt of the annual subscription. Acceptance of membership indicates acceptance of the Constitution and the rules detailed therein.

6.2 Guests may attend meetings.

7.0 MEETING MANAGEMENT

7.1 A minimum of four Ordinary General Meetings will be held each year.

7.2 The Secretary or other person especially appointed by the Executive Committee shall keep a record of proceedings at every meeting.

8.0 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

8.1 The Society shall hold a General Meeting in January of each year at which members will:

8.1.1 Receive the Executive Committee's report for the previous year.

8.1.2 Receive the Treasurer's report and accounts for the previous year.

8.1.3 Elect the Executive Committee for the following year.

8.1.4 Discuss and advise the new Executive Committee on activities for the Society.

8.1.5 Determine any other matter of which notice has been given.

8.1.6 Will elect a minimum of 4 people to run the Heritage Centre

9.0 FINANCE

9.1 The Society's financial year shall run from January to December of each year.

9.2 The Treasurer shall receive all monies on account of the Society and administer such monies via the Society's bank account and petty cash.

9.3 The Chairman, Secretary' and Treasurer will be authorised signatories on the bank account with two signatories being required for payments and changes associated with the account.

9.4 The Executive Committee shall apply the income and property of the Society solely towards the promotion of its aim after due discussion and agreement.

9.5   All signatories shall give 1 months’ notice of the removal of their name from the signatories list and shall be responsible for the removal of their name at the bank where the account is held.(with the exception of bereavement).

10.0 ALTERATIONS TO THE CONSTITUTION

10.1 Subject to the provision of this clause, the Constitution may be altered by a resolution passed by a majority of the members present and voting

at the Annual General Meeting.

10.2 No amendment may be made to Clauses 11.1, 11.2 and 11.3

(Dissolution of the Society).

11.0 DISSOLUTION

11.1 The Society may at any time be dissolved by a resolution being passed

At meeting of the Society, of which at least 28 days notice of such

Intention shall be given.

11.2 The meeting will require a minimum of seventy five per cent of the

Membership to be in attendance and a minimum fifty one per cent of

Those present to carry the resolution.

11.3 Such a resolution may give instruction for the disposal of any assets

Held by or in the name of the Society, provided that if any property

Remains after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, such properties

Shall not be paid or distributed amongst the members of the Society,

But shall be given or transferred to such other charitable, non profit

Making or voluntary organisations having objectives similar to those of

The Society.

……………………………………    Alterations February 2019