South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team

Constitution Nov 1993

1. The team will be named the South Snowdonia Search and Rescue team.

2. The call sign will be "Harlech."

3 .The object of the team will be to assist in searching for and rescuing persons lost and/or in distress and to do so in furtherance of the above object but not further or otherwise at the direction of the police.

4. The team will have primary SAR. responsibility for the area bounded by the previous Rhinog and Moelwyn teams or at the direction of the police In particular the team will provide expertise and manpower for:

a. SAR operations in difficult terrain.

b. Crag and gorge evacuation.

c. Mine evacuation (in association with Cave Rescue Teams where feasible.)

d. Other SAR operations as directed by the police.

5. The team will maintain base posts and equipment to provide adequate SAR cover within its primary area.

6. The team will operate a documented training programme.

7. The team will regard the safety of its member's as a priority.

8. The team will operate equipment provided by external agencies according to standing procedure.

9. The team will strive to operate and develop in a manner that is sensitive to its environment and inhabitants.

10. The team will elect a committee to manage its affairs, the committee will consist of:

President: (no vote) Chairman (casting vote) Leader. Deputy leader, 2 Representatives. Treasurer. Secretary. (1 vote each). Team members may be co-opted and sub committees formed at the discretion of the committee. Three officers or one third will constitute a quorum.

11. Members will be admitted at the discretion of the committee for a probationary period of one year and on payment of an entry fee.

12. Committee meetings will be held as necessary and minutes will be taken. An AGM will be held.

13. All officers are required to resign at the AGM. When election by general meeting will be held for the coming year.

14. The funds of the charily, including all donations, contributions and bequests, shall be paid into an account operated by the Executive Committee in the name of the Charity at such bank as the signed by at least two members of the Executive Committee.

15. The funds belonging to the Charity shall be applied in furthering the objects.

16. Honorary and Associate membership may be offered without voting rights.

17. Support group membership maybe offered to existing full members with voting rights.

18. Full members will be expected to maintain an appropriate level of fitness, expertise and personal equipment to facilitate SSSART responsibilities.

19. The team leader will be responsible for training and operational status.

20. All equipment use will require the sanction of the team leader.

21. A special general meeting shall be called within twenty one days of the receipt by the secretary of written request by 10 or more members. Such a meeting is to deal only with the matter of which notice is given.

22. Each member in subscription shall be sent a notice of an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting, as the case may be not less than 10 days before the date of the meeting. Such notice shall include the agenda containing all items for discussion and decision.

23. The quorum at General Meeting shall be 10 members or one sixth of the current membership whichever is the greater.

24. Alterations to the constitution.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this clause the Constitution may be altered by a resolution passed by not less than two thirds of the members present and voting at a general meeting. The notice of the general meeting must include notice of the resolution setting out the terms of the alteration proposed.

(2) No amendment may be made to clause 1, 3. 23. or this clause of the Commissioners.

(3) No amendment may be made which would have the effect of making the Charity cease to be a charity at law.

(4) The Executive Committee should promptly send to the commissioners a copy of any amendment made under this clause.

25. Dissolution.

If the Executive Committee decides that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Charity it shall call a meeting of all members of the Charity, of which not less than 21 days notice (suiting the terms of the resolution to be proposed) shall be given. If the proposal is confirmed by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting the Executive Committee shall have power to realise any assets hold by or on behalf of the Charily. Any assets remaining alter the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities shall be given or transferred to such other charitable institution or institutions having objects similar lo the objects of the Charily as the members of the charity may determine or failing that shall be applied for some other charitable purpose, A copy of the statement of accounts, or account and statement, for the final accounting period of the Charity must be sent to the Commissioners.

26. The committee shall have the power to deal with any matter not provided for in this constitution.

27. Membership is conditional upon acceptance of this constitution.