Constitution

scottish learning association

Constitution 2008

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Scottish Support for Learning Association

Constitution

November 2008

1. Name

The name of the Association shall be the Scottish Support for Learning Association. The registered address shall be that of the secretary of the day.

2. Aim

To advance the education of children and of other learners and in furtherance thereof:

to exchange ideas, disseminate information and discuss methods and developments in supporting learning
to promote, encourage and undertake research relevant to the aims of the Association
to establish and maintain relations with individuals and other bodies having similar aims
to play a full part in the development of Scottish education.

3. Membership

Membership shall be open to all who are, or have been, professionally involved in the education of children and other learners and may include named persons from educational establishments as well as individual members. Individual membership entitles a member to all the services of the Association; to attend the Annual General Meeting and vote on all matters arising; to hold any office in the Association. Establishments may take out corporate membership, entitling 3 representatives to full voting rights and to attend conferences at membership rates and ensuring two copies of all publications.

4. Subscription

The subscription shall be an annual sum determined by the AGM and payable on 1 September of each year. Bona fide non-salaried students and retired members shall pay a £10 subscription rate.

5. Finance

All monies raised by or on behalf of the Association shall be applied to further the objects of the Association and for no other purpose provided that nothing herein contained shall prevent the payment in good faith of reasonable and proper remuneration to any employee of the Association and fees to professional and technical advisers or the repayment to members of the Executive Committee of reasonable out of pocket expenses.

The Treasurer shall keep proper accounts for the finances of the Association in line with Office of the Scottish Charity regulator (OSCR) guidelines.

6. Annual General Meeting

An Annual General Meeting of all members of the Association shall be held in October or November each year. Notice of time and place shall be sent to all members at least 21 days in advance with a note of the principal business. The quorum for an AGM shall be the number of members on the Executive Committee plus 3.

The following business shall be transacted at the AGM:

Minutes of the previous AGM
Trustees Annual Report.
Submission and passing of Statement of Receipts and Payments Account for the previous year up to 31August; these having been duly professionally audited or examined and certified by a capable independent examiner
Announcement of the result of election of Trustees.
Any other competent business.

7. Extraordinary General Meeting

An Extraordinary, General Meeting may be called by the Executive Committee, at any time, or by the Secretary on receipt of a written request from at least 15 members stating the business to be discussed. An EGM shall be held within a period of 30 days from receipt of such a request. At least 21 days notice of such meetings will be given to members of the Association.

8. Trustees

The Trustees of the Association shall be the President, Vice-President, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Secretary. The Trustees shall severally and collectively be responsible wholly and exclusively to the Executive Committee, carrying into effect all policy and other decisions made by the Committee and will not, without prior and explicit authorisation of the Executive Committee, enter upon any action or pronouncement which will or may reflect on the policy, finances or reputation of the Association.

9. Executive Committee

The business of the Association shall be managed by an Executive Committee.
This shall consist of the Trustees of the Association plus six to eight elected members.
Powers of co-option shall be granted to the Committee.
5 members shall constitute a quorum.
The EC shall meet at least 3 times per annum.

10. Election of Trustees and Executive Committee

All nominations shall be in writing to the Secretary from members of the Association.
The Vice-President shall be nominated by a proposer and seconder and, if elected, will become President for a year at the AGM subsequent to the nomination.
The Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Secretary shall be nominated by, a proposer and seconder. Persons already holding these offices may be re-elected without such nomination and will hold office for one year.
A notice inviting nominations for Trustees will be sent to members. Nominations are to be in the Secretary’s hands not later than 30 days before the AGM. A postal ballot of members will follow if more than one member is nominated for any office. The results of the ballot will be announced at the AGM.

11. Interpretation of Rules

In the event of any dispute arising from the interpretation of the rules, the decision of the Executive Committee shall be final until the next AGM or EGM.

12. Alteration of Rules

Any alteration to the rules may be made only at an AGM or EGM by means of a resolution carried by at least two thirds of the members present.
Notice of proposed change in the rules must be given in writing to the Secretary at least 3 months in advance of the meeting.

13. Dissolution

In the event of dissolution of the Association any assets remaining after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities shall not be paid or distributed among the members of the Association but shall be given or transferred to a recognised charitable body or bodies having aims similar to those of the Association.

SSLA is a Scottish Charity Scottish Charity No. SCO26546