OCD-UK Constitution

Every Charity must have a governing document setting out the charity's objects and usually how it is to be administered. OCD-UK's constitution is our governing document first created when the charity was formed back in 2004. Earlier this year we notified our members of the proposed changes to our constitution that we intend to implement upon member approval at our 2011 AGM on Saturday 29th October.

A draft copy of the proposed amended constitution can be downloaded here.

The proposes changes from our existing 2004 document are minimal, and are to better reflect today's charity, which better explains our objectives and how the charity is run, these changes are primarily as follows:

PART ONE

3. The Objects

Objective one changed from 'To advance the education of the general public in all areas relating to OCD.' to 'To advance awareness of OCD to all audiences.'

Objective two changed from 'To relieve persons suffering from OCD and their carers by the provision of information, advice and support.' to 'To enable everyone affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) to access the most appropriate, and the highest quality care, support and treatment.'

PART TWO

7. Membership

1. Membership is open to individuals of any age, where previously it stated only those aged 18 or over, but under 16’s are requested to tick a check box indicating parental consent has been granted, but only those aged 18 or over have voting rights.

9. General Meetings

2. The AGM is no longer restricted to October. It must be held within 12 months of adoption of the new constitution and no more than 18 months lapse between successive AGMs.

5. Trustees can call as special general meeting, if requested to do so, in writing, by at least 50 members or one tenth of membership, which ever is the greatest. Previously 10 members were required. 21 says notice is changed to 42 days notice.

10. Notice

1. The minimum period of notice required to hold any general meeting is 14 days, it was previously set at 21 days.

11. Quorum

2. A quorum for the AGM is defined as 15 members. Previously it was 10 members or one tenth of membership, whichever is the greatest.

7. Executive committee shall hold at least 6 ordinary meetings a year, previously two.

17. The Appointment of Trustees

1. New addition to explain how trustees are elected 'Trustees will be elected internally having been given an opportunity to undertake a previous volunteering role with the Charity. However, the committee reserves the right to directly appoint (i.e. without prior volunteering) someone to the role of trustee should they be able to contribute a particular area of expertise to the Charity.'

21. Delegation

1. Trustees may delegate any of their powers or functions to a sub committee of one or more Trustees, previously three Trustees.