Meetings/2010 AGM/Resolutions

Motion to require better attendance at board meetings

WHEREAS, board meetings over the last year have had very poor attendance. Meetings have frequently had only 4 or 5 of the 7 board members present and some individual board members have missed approximately half of all meetings.

WHEREAS, board members have a legal duty to oversee the activities of the charity and this cannot be done effectively without attending meetings.

WHEREAS, poor attendance at a meeting reduces the availability of ideas and the level of oversight over decisions and increases the work that must be done by those members in attendance.

This meeting resolves, by ordinary resolution, under Article 28 of the Articles of Association to adopt the following rules:

1) Board members are expected to attend all board meetings.

2) If a board members is unable to attend a board meeting they should notify the chair, with an explanation, as soon as possible. Excluding last minute changes of plans, notification should take place at least 24 hours before the start of the meeting.

3) If a board member fails to attend at least 3 out of 5 consecutive meetings the Chair will write to this board member notifying them that their attendance is at an concerning level and requesting an explanation. The board member must reply within 7 days and their response (or lack thereof) will be considered at the next board meeting. The Chair will propose a motion of censure against the board member, which the board will vote on. If the motion is passed the Chair will write to the board member explaining that the board has found their attendance unacceptable and that the board member must improve their attendance or resign.

4) If a board member fails, having already been censured for their attendance, to attend at least 3 out of 5 consecutive meetings (not counting any missed meetings already counted under rule 3) the Chair will write to them again explaining that their attendance is still unacceptable and request a further explanation or their resignation. The board member must, again, respond within 7 days and this response (or lack thereof) will be considered at the next board meeting. The Chair will propose a motion that a Written Resolution that the board member be removed be issued to members or an EGM held to discuss the removal of the board member. If this motion fails, the Chair will propose a further motion of censure. If either motion passes the Chair will write to the board member again explaining the situation.

5) If the Chair's attendance drops below the threshold in rules 3 and 4 the Secretary will perform the role assigned to the Chair in rules 3 and 4.

6) The board will not amend or repeal these rules without the consultation of members.

PROPOSED BY: Tango

SECONDED BY:

BOARD RESPONSE: Neutral?

STATUS: Special resolution?

Motion to convert to a CIO and adopt new constitution

The Charity Commission says it expects to have everything in place for charities to start converting to CIOs in late spring 2010. That will, most likely, be too late for us to do anything about it at this AGM and we'll have to wait until next year, but we should bear in mind that it is a possible item of business for this year.

PROPOSED BY: Tango

SECONDED BY:

BOARD RESPONSE:

STATUS: Special Resolution?

Fees

Motion to set the membership fees for the forthcoming year

PROPOSED BY: Board

STATUS: Ordinary Resolution

Annual report and accounts

Motion to approve

PROPOSED BY: Board

STATUS: Ordinary Resolution

Corporate Membership

Ordinary motion to create a corporate membership level within the chapter. This is something that is done by many charities.

PROPOSED BY: Board

STATUS: Special Resolution

Advisory Board

Special motion to create a group of advisors from other sectors that have actively supported the Wikimedia projects and have specialist knowledge or understanding to aid the chapters in its mission.

PROPOSED BY: Seddon

SECONDED BY:

BOARD RESPONSE:

STATUS: Ordinary Resolution?

Ability for the board to waive membership fees in individual cases

Ordinary Resolution to amend the Membership Rules to specify that the board can waive membership fees in individual cases as it feels appropriate

PROPOSED BY: Mike Peel

SECONDED BY:

BOARD RESPONSE:

STATUS: Ordinary Resolution?