Bat Group Constitution Formation - The Isles of Scilly Bat Group (hereinafter called "The Group") was formed in December 2006. It is now partnered to the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) and is a special interest group of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust (IOSWT). Name - The Group shall be known as The Isles of Scilly Bat Group but shall not use the abbreviation IOSBG, as this had been adopted by the Isles of Scilly Bird Group. The Group will use its own logo but may, from time to time as appropriate, and with agreement, use the logos of the BCT and/or IOSWT on its publications. Membership - Membership of the Group is open to all upon payment of an agreed annual subscription (individual). Renewal of the annual subscription for the following year shall be payable in the period between the circulation of the audited annual accounts by the Treasurer in November and 31st January of the following year (for which the subscription applies). Members joining towards the end of a year shall pay only the following year's subscription. The subscription rate is liable for review from time to time by the Group Committee but proposed changes must be approved at a General or Special meeting, or by votes sent by post or e-mail following notification by the Secretary. Membership shall entitle the member to attend meetings and events organized by the Group and to vote at a General or Special Meeting. Membership shall cease on receipt of a letter of resignation to the Secretary or six months after failure to renew membership by the due date. Committee - The running of the Group shall be vested in the Group's Committee. The Group Committee shall consist of three elected officers: a Chairman, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, who shall continue until they tender resignation or members nominate other candidates or request a vote at a General or Special Meeting. The Group Committee may co-opt other members for specific tasks as from time to time shall be appropriate. In matters requiring an urgent decision, the officers may consult the membership by e-mail, telephone, or personally as appropriate, to inform their final decision. General Meetings - After 2013, there shall be no formal Annual General Meeting (AGM). Instead there shall be one scheduled Group meeting per year at which there shall be a short business meeting (fulfilling the role of the AGM) and a talk (for example by the BCT representative in accordance with the Partnership Agreement) or series of talks, or any other social activities as may be decided. The meeting shall normally be held on a date or dates during the summer period. The Group may also hold Special meetings, requested by a majority of members, for which all Group members shall be given three weeks' notice where possible. Aims and Objectives To promote bat conservation in the Isles of Scilly. To provide an informal forum for those in the islands interested in bats to meet, learn about bats and to exchange information. To provide general information about bats to the public and to respond to enquires from the public. To accumulate reliable information about bats in the islands and, where appropriate, to initiate further research for that purpose. To raise funds, where necessary, to assist in achieving the above aims. To provide a pool of expertise from which to recruit people to be trained as volunteer wardens who may contribute to bat conservation in liaison with Natural England, Bat Conservation Trust, professional ecologists, the Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, The Council of the Isles of Scilly, the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, and the Duchy of Cornwall. Finance and Accounts - Monies raised by the Group are to be applied to bat conservation activities as described in the Aims and Objectives above; a minimal amount to be used in administration. No expenditure is to be incurred without prior authorization of the Group Committee. Funds will be held in a cheque account; cheques must bear the current bank signing mandate. Proper accounts and records of recipts and payments must be kept by the Treasurer. An audited statement of annual accounts for the year ending 31st October shall be circulated to all members by the Treasurer. Members who have questions or suggestions concerning the accounts should address them to the Treasurer by post, e-mail, or telephone. Insurance - The Group is covered by the BCT Insurance Policy for Bat Groups, which provides public liability insurance for public events that are Group activities. Public Statements - Where bat conservation issues are other than local, the Group may use any appropriate model press release as issued by the BCT. Dissolution - If, by agreement of the Committee and Membership at a Special General Meeting, the Group is disbanded, its assets will be frozen, BCT will be notified and their advice sought regarding appropriate disposal of the assets.