Network Dorset Constitution

1. Network Dorset is a non-profit making organisation.

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2. The purpose of the organisation is:

Mutual benefit of the members.

Self-improvement.

Confidence building.

Business support.

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3. The organisation is run by a team comprising Chairperson, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee Members.

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4. The position of Vice Chair is a Committee post with the addition that this person will succeed the Chair in the following year. If for

any reason, the Vice Chair is unable to take up the office of Chair in the following year, the Chair will be chosen by the members.

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5. The team will be elected each year for a term of 12 months.

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6. No remuneration is payable to any member.

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7. Goods and services provided to the group will be commercial transactions at arm’s length and invoiced. All such transactions will

be independently approved and authorised for payment by the Committee.

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8. No dividends are payable.

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9. Each member has a single and equal vote. The chair has the casting vote.

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10. Members relinquish all rights to vote and/or funds on leaving the organisation.

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11. No refunds are due to members on leaving the organisation.

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12. The membership fees will be £120 per person per financial year, payable by direct debit on the anniversary of joining, plus £30 per

month payable in advance by direct debit on the first day of the month.

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13. There will only be one member per category, as per their application.

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14. Failure of a member to send apologies on three occasions in three months could open up the category, at the discretion of the

Committee.

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15. Ex-Members can only sub for a current Member, up to a maximum of 3 times per financial year, at the discretion of the

committee.

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16. Membership fees will be used for printing, promotion, meetings, social activities and other expenditures that support the group.

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17. Financial records of the income, fees and expenditure will be maintained by the Treasurer and annual accounts produced and

examined.

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18. Meetings will be chaired by the Chairperson or Vice Chair. If neither are available the meeting will be chaired by another

Committee member.

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19. Annual Membership fees of the Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary will be suspended whilst serving.

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20. Every member will be expected to provide accurate records of the value of the business received via the group and record it at

meetings.

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21. Business opportunities (BOS) will be passed within the group at each meeting. Whilst there is no pressure on Members to

provide these business referrals; those which are given should be of high quality and have realistic potential for the receiver.

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22. One-to-one's will be encouraged between Members.

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23. 60-second presentations will be given by each Member at every meeting. There will be a 10-minute presentation by one Member

at most meetings, according to a rota.

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24. Occasional education/business information presentations will be considered from outside speakers.

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25. Complaints: If a problem arises between Members, those Members concerned are encouraged to discuss and resolve the issue

directly between themselves.

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26. Code of Conduct: Members are expected to treat each other and visitors with respect and courtesy at all times. In the event

that a problem arises and a resolution cannot be achieved, advice can be sought in confidence from the Committee.

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27. The Committee reserves the right to accept or decline a Membership application.

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28. If the organisation disbands for any reason, any funds remaining in the account will be distributed equally among the members

that belong to the organisation at the time.

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29. The financial year shall run from 1st April to 31st March.

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Last updated on 6th June 2025