Constitution

St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve

Registered Charity SCO18593

CONSTITUTION

Constitution of St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve Committee adopted on 18th August 1984 and updated on 16th May 2012.

NAME

St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve (VMR)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To conserve the biodiversity of the coastal waters and to raise awareness of the marine environment through education and promote responsible recreational use alongside a sustainable fishery to the mutual benefit of all.

  1. To sustain and where possible, enhance the habitats, communities and species within the VMR.
  2. To work closely with local (and, if appropriate for local outcomes, national) marine, fishery, conservation and wildlife groups helping support their project plans and offering representation as and where possible.
  3. To optimise the interpretation and education potential of the VMR to user groups and visitors.
  4. To encourage informed and sympathetic recreational use.
  5. To integrate management of the VMR and the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast European Marine Site.
  6. To use the VMR to promote marine conservation and the need for sustainable use of the marine environment.

MEMBERSHIP of COMMITTEE

Membership of the Committee shall consist of one representative each from:

  • The Eyemouth Harbour Trust
  • The Anglo Scottish Fisherman’s Association
  • The St. Abbs Harbour Trust
  • The St. Abbs Inshore Fishermen
  • The St. Abbs Community Council
  • The Coldingham Community Council
  • The Eyemouth Community Council
  • The Scottish Borders Council
  • The Scottish Wildlife Trust
  • The National Trust for Scotland
  • The Marine Conservation Society
  • The British Sub-Aqua Club
  • The Scottish Sub-Aqua Club
  • The Sub-Aqua Association
  • The Eyemouth and District Sub-Aqua Club

 

  • Any other interested individuals and organisations who wish to join the Committee may be voted on at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
  • The Committee may invite such organisations or individuals as may be deemed necessary to attend meetings in an advisory or observers capacity.
  • The Committee shall consist of no less than 4 members who shall be elected yearly at the AGM.
  • The elected Office Bearers shall be: Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer, each of whom shall be Committee Members of VMR. Each year at the AGM, the Office Bearers have the opportunity to stand for re-election, or retire.
  • No person shall be entitled to hold any of the elected Office Bearer positions for more than 3 years. If there is no one else willing to stand, Office Bearers may be re-elected provided the Committee Members agree.
  • In the event of death or resignation of an elected office bearer, the vacancy may be filled by another Committee Member until the succeeding AGM.
  • All members shall have one vote with the exception of the Chairperson who shall, in addition, have a casting vote.

DUTIES of COMMITTEE MEMBERS

  • To attend meetings as required. If a representative misses 2 or more meetings in succession the Secretary should write to the organisation explaining that they will be removed from the Committee Member list at the next AGM if they continue to be unable to provide representation at meetings.
  • Contribute to the VMR work plan as required and assist in securing future funding to support the aims and objectives of the VMR.
  • Provide advice and support to the VMR Ranger or other staff and volunteers as required.
  • Be willing to be advertised as a Committee Member and approached by members of the public to raise queries at meetings if required.

MEETINGS

  • Meetings shall be held quarterly.
  • The Committee’s Financial Year ends on 28th February each year (29th February in a leap year). The AGM to present the Chairman’s Annual Report and Treasurer’s Audited Accounts and elect members of the Committee shall be held within six months of that date.
  • The notice and agenda for the AGM shall be sent to all members in writing at least 7 days before the meeting.
  • The quorum for meetings shall be 4 members.
  • The Secretary will keep minutes of all Committee meetings, which will be circulated to all Committee Members.

SPECIAL MEETINGS

  • Extra-ordinary meetings may be called at any time by the Chairman at the request of at least 4 members.

EMPLOYEES

The Committee shall be able to employ a VMR Ranger or other persons on the VMR and appoint people to supervise and administer them.

FINANCE

  • The funds of the Committee shall be applied solely for the promotion and administration of the VMR and furtherance of its aims and objectives. No payments whatsoever shall be made directly or indirectly to office bearers or members except in the remuneration of monies spent on behalf of the Committee on the production of a receipt. The exception to this being payments related to the employment of a VMR Ranger or other persons deemed required in order for the VMR to carry out its business.
  • The Treasurer shall keep account of all income and expenditure and shall prepare accounts ensuring that the appropriate level of external scrutiny is carried out, as required by the relevant regulations.
  • The Treasurer will open accounts with appropriate financial institutions which will be managed jointly by the officer bearers. Two authorized signatories will be required to sign cheques, one of whom shall be the Treasurer.

DISSOLUTION

  • In the event of the Committee being for any reason dissolved, any assets will be transferred for use by other Berwickshire voluntary or community groups with likeminded aims and objectives, of the Committee’s choice.

ALTERATIONS TO THE CONSTITUTION

  • Alterations to the Constitution shall be made by a resolution of members, passed by a majority of at least two thirds of the elected Committee Members present and voting thereat.
  • Notice of any proposed alterations must be sent to all members at least 14 days before the meeting.
  • Should any major change of policy be deemed necessary, the matter shall be decided at an extra ordinary meeting.

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