DEVON & CORNWALL TRAINING NETWORK

CONSTITUTION - JULY 2006

1. TITLE:

The organisation shall be called "Devon & Cornwall Training Network".

2. OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of the Network shall be:-

2.1 To identify the training needs of Housing organisations in Devon and Cornwall.

2.2 To provide, promote and facilitate affordable good quality training that meets identified need.

2.3 To raise awareness of and stimulate good practice in housing related matters.

2.4 To work with other agencies in a spirit of collaboration to ensure the
availability of a broad range of opportunities.

3. ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP:

3.1 Membership of the Network is open to all organisations and individuals in Devon & Cornwall that have an interest in the wider Housing agenda.

3.2 The Steering Group will consider membership enquiries from organisations outside of the 2 counties.

4. REPRESENTATION:

4.1 Each member organisation can be represented at Steering Group meetings.

4.2 The Steering Group will determine the business and priorities for the Network in consultation with its membership.

5. OBLIGATIONS:

5.1 Members should promote the objectives of the Network.

5.2 Member organisations may be asked to assist in the following ways:

5.2.1 Provision of training/meeting venues at no charge.

5.2.2 Organising and/or hosting a training event.

5.2.3 Provision of speakers, information and expertise.

5.2.4 Assist in the identification of Housing training needs.

5.2.5 Take office as Treasurer and Chair to the Network.

5.2.6 To reimburse the travel and subsistence costs incurred by member representatives or trainees attending meetings or training events.

5.2.7 To share with the Network plans for local training to avoid duplication and maximisation of resources.

5.2.8 Participate in ad-hoc working groups.

6. OFFICERS OF THE NETWORK:

The following officers will be elected annually by the Network:

6.1 Treasurer: Duties to include:-
Issuing of invoices and ensuring that all sums due to the Network are received.
Payment of bills.
Banking of Network funds.
Keeping financial records and advising the
Network on its finances.
Preparation of annual accounts

6.2 Chair: To maintain orderly business at Network
meetings.
To work with the Treasurer and Secretary to ensure compliance with the Constitution and it's objectives.
To represent the Network at appropriate meetings and forums.
Promoting its objectives and seeking support of relevant organisations.

7. MEETINGS:

7.1 The Steering Group to meet as necessary to deal with Network business.

7.2 Annual Meetings: The annual meeting will be held each June.

8. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS:

8.1 Financial year: 1st April to 31st March.

8.2 Business:

8.2.1 The Treasurer to the Network will conduct all financial business and keep proper accounts in accordance with the constitution and prudent accountancy measures.

8.2.2 The Treasurer will submit audited accounts to the Annual Meeting (Auditor to be appointed by Network).

8.2.3 2 out of 4 signatories will be required to sign at any one time.

8.3 Network funds:

8.3.1 Network funds will be held in bank and/or building society accounts.

8.3.2 The allocation of funds between current and interest-bearing accounts will be at the discretion of the Treasurer.

8.3.3 Network funds may only be applied to the conduct and business of the Network.

8.4 Subscription:

The membership fee will be £350 per organisation. This fee will be reviewed annually, with negotiated fees for smaller organisations.

Workshops will be available to non member organisations at the discretion of the Steering Group, subject to a negotiated fee and no detriment to fully subscribed members.