Patient Participation Group Constitution

As amended: correct at 10 September 2007

1. Title

The Group shall be called the Lime Tree Surgery Patients’ Group.

2.Objects

To relieve sickness and preserve and protect health amongst persons permanently or temporarily resident in the catchment area of the Lime Tree and associated surgeries by the provision and maintenance of medical and other equipment (not normally provided from statutory funds).

3.Membership

All patients of the Lime Tree and associated surgeries.

4.Management

A) The Group shall be managed by a committee comprising up to eight members.
B) The Annual General Meeting will be required to elect the officers, ie. Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, together with five other officers.
C) The committee shall have the power to co-opt other members from time to time as seen fit.
D) Staff of the Lime Tree Surgery may attend meetings of the committee by invitation.
E) An auditor who shall not be a member of the committee shall be appointed by the Annual General Meeting.

5.Meetings

A) The Annual General Meeting shall be held in May of each year.
B) Notice of the Annual General Meeting given by a notice posted in the patients’ waiting areas of the Lime Tree and associated surgeries at least 14 days previously.
C) Other general meetings may be similarly called by the committee or by written request of not less than 10 members of the Group to the secretary of the committee.
D) Committee members shall normally have seven days clear notice of committee meetings.
E) At all meetings the chairman of the meeting shall have a vote. In addition the chairman shall have a casting vote in the event of a tied vote.
F) At committee meetings a quorum shall consist of four members.

6.Change of Constitution

Alterations to this Constitution shall receive the assent of two thirds of the members present and voting at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting. A resolution for the alteration of the Constitution must be received by the secretary of the Group at least 21 days before the meeting at which the resolution is to be brought forward. At least 14 days notice of such a meeting must be given by the secretary to the membership and must include notice of the alteration proposed. Provided that no alteration be made to the Objects, the dissolution clause or this clause and no alteration shall be made which would have the effect of causing the Group to cease to be a charity in law.

7. Finance

A) The Financial Year of the Group shall start on 1 January.
B) The funds shall be kept in a bank or building society account in the name of the Lime Tree Surgery Patients’ Group.
C) An audited Financial Statement shall be presented at the Annual General Meeting for adoption.
D) The fund shall be administered by the honorary treasurer.
E) Signatures on cheques shall be two of three members nominated by the committee, but one signatory shall be either the chairman or hon. secretary.

8.Dissolution

The Group may be dissolved by a resolution passed by a two thirds majority of those present and voting at a Special General Meeting convened for the purpose, of which 21 days notice shall have been given. Such resolution may give instructions for the disposal of any assets held by or in the name of the Group, provided that if any property remains after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities such property shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of the Group but shall be given or transferred to the Lime Tree Surgery for the benefit of the patients and if and in so far as effect cannot be given to this provision then to such other charitable purpose.

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Notes

1) Lime Tree Surgery Patients’ Group is a Registered Charity (Reg. No. 1053830, and notwithstanding the above constitution is bound by the requirements of HM Charities Commissioners and other legislation from time to time.

2) The elected officers are:

Chair and Treasurer Secretary

Lance Allen, Carol Farrow