The constitution of the society

Name
The name of the Society is British Credit Union Historical Society (hereinafter called “the Society”).
Administration subject to the matters set out below the Society and its property shall be administered and managed in accordance with this constitution by the members of the Management Committee, constituted (“the Committee”).
Objects The British Credit Union Historical Society was established in 2008.There was little take up from the wider movement. Five years later 3 former officers of the Manchester Chapter of credit unions recognised those steps had to be taken and funded the first stages of re-establishing interest in the history of our movement. 
“The First 50 Years” A4 booklet compiled by Martin Logan (CU Historian) for International Credit Union Day 2013 at Sheffield Cathedral to celebrate the first fifty years in 2014 of the movement in Britain.

The society holds a lot of records from 1964 onwards gathered from UK credit unions, credit union trade associations and individuals. These records include documents, photographs, oral histories, and video recordings, newspaper clippings. 
The archives are an important historical resource for credit unions, researchers and members of the community. We also welcome donations of historical archival material from credit unions and private members of the community – please contact us to discuss your donation.

The objects will be furthered by 
Appraising the records of the credit union movement
Developing practices for the systematic transfer of records from individual credit unions and various trade associations 
Receiving relevant records of many who have served the movement
Arranging and describing archives in accordance within accepted archival practices 
Making records available for research purposes
Assisting in the induction and education of Directors, Management and staff serving in our sector
Providing guidance in relation to records management within the credit union sector.
Recruit and train volunteers with relevant skills to carry out the objects of the Society
Organise or assist in organising activity programmes, training, meetings, lectures, classes and exhibition
Co-operating with other Societies engaged in like work
Membership
Membership of the Society shall be open to all Credit Unions in the United Kingdom
To become a member of the Society, a Credit union must propose a member of their Credit Union as a contact delegate and be prepared to maintain contact via e-mail.
Particpate in updating Society  Annually their page on behalf of their Credit Union 
Member Credit Unions are requested to donate an a amount of which shall be determined according to size of retained history of their credit union or Logo. This is to cover the cost of maintaining the website and any surplus funds would go to supporting programs such as Development Education (DE) and Credit Union Futures (CUF).The Credit Union may once a year request addition to their history held.

Management Committee

At the Society’s A.G.M., a Committee consisting of Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary,

B/ The Committee shall meet not less than 4 times a year and shall consist of not less than 3 who shall be members of the Society.

C/ Only members of the Society shall be eligible for election to the Committee

D/ Members of the Committee shall normally hold office for a period of three years

F/ One -third of the members of the Committee in turn shall vacate office each year.

G/Out-going members shall be eligible for re-election.

Functions of the Committee
The Committee may make such regulations, as they consider appropriate for the efficient conduct of the business of the Committee and the Society.
The proceedings of the Committee shall not be invalidated by any failure to elect or any defect in the election, appointment, co-option or qualification of any member.
Chairing Meetings:-  meetings of the Society or of the Committee or any of its subcommittees shall be presided over by its Chairperson If neither the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson are present, those present may elect one of their members to take the Chair. The Chairperson of any meeting shall have a second or casting vote.
Finance.
All moneys raised by or on behalf of the Society shall be applied to further the objects of the Society and for no other purpose PROVIDED THAT nothing herein contained shall prevent the payment of legitimate out-of-pocket expenses to members of the Society engaged upon the approved business of the Society.
The Honorary Treasurer shall keep proper accounts of the finances of the Society.
The financial year of the Society shall run from 1st October to 30th September
The Committee to the Annual General Meeting shall submit a statement of accounts for the last financial year.
An account shall be opened for the Society  as appropate for to requirements of the Society. 
The Committee shall authorise in writing the Honorary Treasurer and one member of the committee to authorise payments on behalf of the society.

Annual General Meeting:
The Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held each year at such place and time (not more than 15 months after the holding of the preceding Annual General Meeting) as the Committee shall determine.
At such Annual General Meeting the business shall include the following:
The election of members to serve on the Committee
Consideration of an Annual Report 
The consideration of the audited accounts;
The transaction of such other matters as may from time to time be considered necessary.
Special General Meetings.
The Committee may from time to time at its discretion and shall upon a requisition signed by not less than 4 members having the power to vote and giving reasons for the request, call a Special general Meeting of the Society for the purpose of altering the Constitution or considering any matter which may be referred to them by the Committee or for any other purpose.

Rules of procedure at all Meetings
Voting:  all questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a simple majority of those present and entitled to vote thereat.
Minutes: The Committee and all other subcommittees shall keep Minute books and the appropriate Secretary shall enter therein a record of all proceedings and resolutions

The Officers of the Society established at the meeting held 16th of May 2013
Chair Frank Duffy Fallowfield CU, Treasurer & website co-ordinator Jim Clancy Metro Moneywise CU,  Historian Martin Logan Voyager/Alliance CU

Copyright British Credit Union Historical Society 2018 – All rights reserved