CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE (Founded 1906 by Margaret Fletcher) CONSTITUTION (Revised 2004) 1
CATHOLIC WOMEN S LEAGUE OF ENGLAND & WALES C O N S T I T U T I O N 1. NAME The name of the Association is Catholic Women's League of England & Wales". 2. INTERPRETATION In this Constitution the terms set out in the Schedule shall have the meanings therein specified. 3. OBJECTS The Objects of the League are to promote and support (under the guidance of the Hierarchy) charitable works of all kinds connected with or under the general aegis of the Church at parish, diocesan, national or international levels. 4. POWERS In furtherance of the Objects but not further or otherwise the League shall have power: 4.1 To unite Catholic Women in a bond of common fellowship forming a national, non-party-political organisation under the guidance of the Hierarchy 4.2 To educate and encourage members to use their talents and skills in the service of the Church and community on local, national and international levels 4.3 To initiate and maintain charitable works, whether religious, educational or in the interests of moral and social welfare 4.4 To promote Catholic representation of these interests on major public bodies 4.5 To borrow money and give security for loans (but only in accordance with restrictions imposed by the Charities Act 1993 the Act ) 4.6 To acquire or hire property of any kind 4.7 To let or dispose of property of any kind (but only in accordance with the restrictions imposed by the Act) 4.8 To insure the property of the League against any foreseeable risk and take out other insurance policies to protect the League when required 4.9 To enter into contracts to provide services to or on behalf of other bodies 4.10 To do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the attainment of the Objects 5. MEMBERSHIP 5.1 All Catholic Women whose application for membership is accepted in accordance with the procedures set out in paragraph 6 below are eligible for membership. 2
5.2 All other women in sympathy with the League s Objects may likewise be accepted as members but they may not hold office as National President, Branch President or Chairman of any Section or Committee of the League. 6. APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP 6.1 Membership of the League may be effected through membership of a particular Section of the League or as a Direct Branch Member as provided in sub-paragraph 6.6 below. 6.2 A Direct Branch Member shall be entitled 6.2.1 to receive notices of Branch meetings 6.2.2 to attend Branch meetings and 6.2.3 to receive minutes of Branch meetings 6.2.4 to vote when there is a vote of the whole membership 6.2.5 to attend General Meetings 6.3 Applications for membership shall be in such form (if any) as may be prescribed by the National Executive from time to time and be accompanied by the appropriate subscription as provided for in paragraph 20.3 below. 6.4 A Section or Branch Committee may decline to accept an application for membership if it considers that the applicant s membership of the League would not be conducive to the furtherance of the Objects of the League. 6.5 A Section or Branch Committee must give reasons for such refusal in writing. 6.6 Applicants for membership may choose a Section to which they wish to belong or elect to be a Direct Branch Member. 7. MEMBERSHIP RECORDS 7.1 The Honorary Treasurer of each Section must keep a register of all members of that Section and the Honorary Treasurer of each Branch must keep a register of all Branch Members. 7.2 Subject to any legal restrictions Sections and Branches shall provide details of all members to the National Executive in such form and at such times as may be prescribed. 7.3 All Members shall be entitled to receive a membership card. 8. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP 8.1 A Member may resign membership of the League by notice in writing to the Committee of her Section or (in the case of a Direct Branch Member) to the Branch. A Member whose subscription remains unpaid more than two months after the due date shall be deemed to have resigned but may be reinstated by a Section or Branch Committee (as the case may be) at their discretion. 8.2 A Section or Branch Committee may terminate the membership of any Member or Direct Branch Member of the League if the Committee considers (on reasonable grounds) that the continued membership of that Member would be harmful to the League. 3
8.3 Before taking any steps to terminate membership under paragraph 8.2 above the Committee must inform the Member in writing of the proposed termination and the reasons for it. 8.4 Within 14 days of such written notification (or such extended period as the Committee may allow) the Member concerned may make written representations to the Committee as to why her membership should not be terminated. On receiving such representations the Committee must consider them. If, after such consideration, the Committee so decide, the termination of membership may be confirmed and if confirmed notified in writing to the Member. 8.5 Within a further 14 days of such notification the Member concerned may give notice of appeal in writing to the National Executive against such termination of her membership. Such notice shall state the grounds of appeal. Upon receipt of such notice the National Executive shall thereupon appoint three Members (one of whom shall be a member of the National Executive and act as chairman of the appeal committee) to consider the appeal. Subject to any relevant standing orders or regulations the appeal committee may make such directions as it may consider fair and reasonable to dispose of the matter with particular reference to: 8.5.1 further submissions or evidence from the appellant 8.5.2 further submissions from the Section or Branch Committee whose decision is being appealed 8.5.3 time limits 8.5.4 procedural matters including the conduct of the appeal generally and in particular whether it is to be dealt with entirely by written submissions or by means of an oral hearing or both. 8.6 Once the appeal procedure has been concluded the appeal committee may 8.6.1 uphold the original decision of the Section or Branch Committee (in which case the original termination of membership becomes final and conclusive) or 8.6.2 allow the appeal either unconditionally or subject to such reasonable conditions as they may decide in their discretion to impose. 9. GOVERNING BODY 9.1 The governing body of the League shall be the National Executive of which one half of the elected members shall constitute a quorum. When complete the National Executive shall be constituted by the following persons not being paid employees of the League: Ex-Officio The National President The National Treasurer Regional Representatives Representatives nominated by each region in accordance with paragraph 18 below 4
Co-opted Members Not more than three members co-opted by the National Executive for special work 9.2 The immediate Past President (for one year only) and the President-Elect shall be entitled to attend meetings of the National Executive but without voting rights and without being deemed to be members thereof. 9.3 The National Executive as charity trustees have control of the League and its property and funds. 9.4 The normal term of office of members of the National Executive (apart from the National President) shall be as follows: National Treasurer Seven years Regional Representatives Three years Co-opted Members Not more than three years Regional Representatives and Co-opted Members shall not be eligible for reelection/co-option unless a period of at least three years has elapsed since they last served as such. 9.5 Every member of the National Executive must sign a declaration of willingness to act as a Charity Trustee of the League before she is eligible to vote at any meeting of the National Executive. 9.6 A National Executive member automatically ceases to be a member of the Executive Committee if she: 9.6.1 is disqualified under the Act from acting as a charity trustee 9.6.2 is incapable, whether mentally or physically, of managing her own affairs 9.6.3 is absent from three consecutive meetings of the National Executive unless the National Executive otherwise resolves 9.6.4 ceases to be a Member of the League (but she may be reinstated by resolution of all the other members of the National Executive on resuming membership of the League) 9.6.5 resigns by written notice to the National Executive (but only if at least two National Executive members will remain in office) 9.6.6 is removed by a resolution passed by all the other members of the National Executive after inviting the view of the member concerned and considering the matter in the light of any such views. 9.7 A retiring National Executive member is entitled to an indemnity from the continuing members at the expense of the League in respect of any liabilities properly incurred while she held office. 9.8 A technical defect in the appointment of a National Executive member of which they are unaware at the time does not invalidate decisions taken at a meeting. 9.9 The National Executive shall have the following powers in relation to the administration of the League and its affairs: 5
9.9.1 to delegate any of their functions to ad hoc special committees consisting of two or more persons appointed or acknowledged by them (but at least one member of every such committee must be a member of the National Executive and all proceedings of committees must be reported promptly to the National Executive) 9.9.2 to set aside funds for special purposes or as reserves against future expenditure 9.9.3 to deposit or invest funds in any manner (but to invest only after obtaining advice from a financial expert and having regard to the suitability of investments and the need for diversification) 9.9.4 to delegate the management of investments to a financial expert, but only on terms that: 9.9.4.1 the investment policy is set down in writing for the financial expert by the National Executive 9.9.4.2 every transaction is reported promptly to the National Executive 9.9.4.3 the performance of the investments is reviewed regularly with the National Executive 9.9.4.4 the National Executive are entitled to cancel the delegation arrangement at any time 9.9.4.5 the investment policy and the delegation arrangement are reviewed at least once a year 9.9.4.6 all payments due to the financial expert are on a scale or at a level which is agreed in advance in writing and are notified promptly to the National Executive on receipt 9.9.4.7 the financial expert must not do anything outside the powers of the National Executive 9.9.5 to arrange for investments or other property of the League to be held in the name of a nominee (being a corporate body registered or having an established place of business in England and Wales) under the control of the National Executive or of a financial expert acting under their instructions and to pay any reasonable fee required 9.9.6 subject to the prior written consent of the Commission to insure Members of the National Executive against the costs of a successful defence to a criminal prosecution brought against them as charity trustees or against personal liability incurred in respect of any act or omission which is or is alleged to be a breach of trust or a breach of duty (unless the member concerned knew that, or was reckless whether, the act or omission was a breach of trust or breach of duty) 9.9.7 to make Regulations or Bye-Laws consistent with this Constitution concerning any of the following matters: 9.9.7.1 proceedings at general meetings of the League and of any committees 6
9.9.7.2 the operation of mandates and bank accounts and the commitment of funds 9.9.7.3 membership, including provision for different classes of membership and the rights, forms and procedures relating thereto 9.9.7.4 the establishment of Model Rules for Branches and Sections and any approved derogation therefrom 9.9.7.5 the receipt and management of legacies and donations subject only to any special trusts relating thereto 9.9.7.6 the basis of regional organisation 9.9.7.7 the procedure for nominations and elections of the National President and Regional Representatives 9.9.7.8 the procedure for making National Appointments 9.9.7.9 the procedure for setting Subscriptions and Capitation Fees 9.9.7.10 the keeping of records and the making of reports and returns 9.9.7.11 the obtaining of professional advice on behalf of the League or any Branch or Section of the League 9.9.7.12 its own proceedings 9.9.7.13 procedures to assist the resolution of disputes within the League 9.10 Membership of such committees as may be established in accordance with sub-paragraph 9.9.1 shall be limited to persons who are Members of the League but non-members of the League with particular expertise may be invited to assist or advise if this is thought necessary or desirable. 9.11 The National Executive may in addition exercise any powers of the League which are not reserved to a general meeting 10. BRANCHES AND SECTIONS - ADMINISTRATION 10.1 For the purposes of representation and carrying out its purposes the membership of the League shall be organised in Branches and Sections and Branches may be sub-divided into areas. 10.2 Branches will normally correspond to the diocesan organisation of the Church and Sections to parishes or groups of parishes unless otherwise determined by the National Executive. 11. BRANCHES 11.1 Only the National Executive (with the consent of the Diocesan Bishop) has power to establish a Branch for the furtherance of the League objects. 11.2 Where a Branch is to be constituted so as to correspond to more than one diocese the consent of the Bishop of each diocese involved shall be obtained. 11.3 The title of the Branch shall be subject to the approval of the National Executive in consultation with the Bishop or Bishops concerned. 11.4 The Branch will be deemed to have adopted the Model Rules for Branches laid down from time to time by the National Executive. 7
11.5 The National Executive may permit by way of derogation a variation in the Model Rules of the Branch to meet particular circumstances but such permission must be sought in advance and be given in writing before it can take effect. 11.6 No amendment to Model Rules can take effect so as to change the objects of the League insofar as they apply to that Branch. 11.7 A Branch may publish literature in the name of the Branch for Branch purposes but such literature shall not contain any statement contrary to the League s objects or the policy of the League established by the National Executive. 11.8 Representations of whatever kind to non-league bodies may only be made by the Branch through or with the approval of the National Executive. 11.9 All legacies bequeathed to the League shall be received by the National Treasurer but, subject to any special trusts by which such legacies may be affected, the National Executive shall have power to direct that such legacy or the income therefrom shall be paid to a particular Branch or Section. 11.10 The Branch or Section may be authorised by the National Executive to receive donations and any money received or raised by it may be expended by the Branch or Section in its area solely for the furtherance of the League s objects. The Branch shall make returns to the National Executive in such form as the National Executive may from time to time determine. 11.11 Subject to these regulations and to any applicable Model Rules, a Branch may generally manage its own affairs and shall be solely responsible for its own debts and liabilities and shall not pledge the credit of the League or that of the National Executive or of any individual member of the National Executive. 12. SECTIONS 12.1 Sections based on one or more parishes are the primary groupings for the carrying into effect of the League s Objects. 12.2 Only a Branch or the National Executive has power (with the consent of the Priest or Priests in charge) to establish a Section for the furtherance of the League s Objects and once established the Section shall be deemed to be a Section of that Branch unless the National Executive decide otherwise. 12.3 Where a Section is to correspond to more than one Parish the consent of the Priest in Charge of each Parish involved shall be obtained. 12.4 The title of the Section shall be subject to the approval of the Branch in consultation with the Priests or Priests in charge concerned. 12.5 The Section will be deemed to have adopted the Model Rules for Sections laid down from time to time by the National Executive. 12.6 The Branch or the National Executive may permit, by way of derogation, a variation in the Model Rules of Sections to meet particular circumstances but such permission must be sought in advance and be given in writing before it can take effect. 8
12.7 No amendment to Model Rules can take effect so as to change the objects of the League insofar as they apply to that Section. 12.8 A Section may publish literature in the name of the Section for Section purposes but such literature shall not contain any statement contrary to the League s objects or the policy of the League established by the National Executive. 13. GENERAL MEETINGS 13.1 General meetings of the League may be held in accordance with this paragraph. 13.2 All Members of the League are entitled to receive notice of and attend general meetings of the League whether as delegates representing a Branch or Section or as observers. 13.3 Voting in respect of formal resolutions at such meetings shall be in accordance with the provisions set out in paragraph 14 below. 13.4 At least one general meeting of the League shall be held in every year and not more than fifteen months shall elapse between such meetings which shall be known as the Annual General Meeting or AGM. The business to be transacted at the AGM shall include the matters set out in paragraph 16.3 below. 13.5 Additional general meetings of the League may be called 13.5.1 by the National Executive of its own motion or 13.5.2 by the National Executive on the written requisition of one half in number of the Branches and any such meeting shall be known as an Extraordinary General Meeting or EGM. 14. PROCEDURE AT GENERAL MEETINGS 14.1 The following members may attend with voting rights: 14.1.1 Members of the National Executive 14.1.2 Not more than five representatives from each Branch 14.1.3 One representative from each Section 14.1.4 One representative from each Special Committee 14.2 The National President or, in her absence, her duly authorised deputy being a member of the National Executive, shall take the chair at all general meetings. 14.3 If neither the National President nor her deputy is present or willing to act as Chairman within half an hour of the time fixed for the meeting to begin then those present and entitled to vote may elect any member likewise present, entitled to vote and willing to act to chair the meeting. 14.4 Except for the Chairman of the meeting who shall have a casting vote, every member with voting rights is entitled to one vote on every resolution. 14.5 At any general meeting, unless a poll is demanded by the Chairman or by at least ten members with voting rights, then 9
14.5.1 a declaration by the Chairman that a resolution has been carried or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost, or not carried by a particular majority, and 14.5.2 an entry to that effect in the minutes of the meeting, shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of votes recorded in favour of or against the resolution. 14.6 Resolutions for consideration by a general meeting of the League may be proposed in writing on matters of public and League interest and submitted by: 14.6.1 The National Executive 14.6.2 Branches 14.6.3 Special Committees 14.7 A Section or a Direct Branch Member may also propose a resolution but such a resolution shall only be considered if seconded by its Branch. 15. NOTICES 15.1 All notices under this Constitution whether in relation to general, Branch or Section meetings may be sent by hand, or by post or by suitable electronic means or (subject to any regulations that may from time to time be made by the National Executive) may be published in any suitable national journal or newspaper (where applicable to members generally) or in the case of a Branch or Section in any suitable local journal, newspaper or newsletter. 15.2 The address at which a member is entitled to receive notices is the address noted in the register of members or, if none, her last known address. 15.3 Any notice given in accordance with this Constitution is to be treated for all purposes as having been received: 15.3.1 twenty-four hours after being sent by electronic means or delivered by hand to the relevant address 15.3.2 three clear days after being sent by first class post to that address 15.3.3 four clear days after being sent by second class post to that address 15.3.4 on the date of publication of a journal or newspaper containing the notice. 15.3.5 on being handed to the member personally or, 15.3.6 if earlier, as soon as the member acknowledges actual receipt 15.4 Subject to the above provisions, not less than six weeks notice shall be given in respect of general meetings. Notices in respect of Branch or Section Meetings shall be in accordance with the Rules applicable to that Branch or Section. 15.5 A technical defect in the giving of notice of which the members of the National Executive or the committee of any Branch or Section are unaware at the time does not invalidate decisions taken at any meeting to which the notice relates. 10
16. AGENDAS 16.1 The National Executive may make and amend regulations from time to time in respect of the setting of agendas and the acceptance of resolutions for consideration at general meetings. 16.2 Branch and Section meetings shall be subject to their own rules with regard to such matters. 16.3 At the AGM of the League held as provided for in paragraph 13.4 above the meeting: 16.3.1 shall receive the reports and audited accounts of the League for the previous financial year (to be circulated) 16.3.2 may confer on any individual or individuals(with their consent) the honorary title of Patron of the League 16.3.3 shall discuss and determine any issues of policy or deal with any other business where possible put before it details, where possible, having been previously circulated 16.3.4 shall appoint an auditor 17. ELECTIONS - NATIONAL PRESIDENT 17.1 The National President shall be elected initially by a ballot of all Members, the candidate with the most votes being elected. She may serve for three years in succession, her election being confirmed at the Annual General Meeting next following. 17.2 Nominations may be made by any Branch seconded by another Branch but only with the prior written consent of the nominee. 17.3 The election of the National President shall take place on a date to be determined by the National Executive. Prior to her installation she shall be known as the President-Elect and shall be entitled to attend National Executive meetings but without being entitled to vote or being deemed to be a member thereof. 17.4 If for any reason the President-Elect does not take office or the National President fails to complete her term of office a Member of the National Executive shall act in her place until a further election can be held. 18. ELECTIONS - REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES 18.1 For the purpose of electing regional representatives to the National Executive in accordance with paragraph 9.1 above England and Wales is divided into seven regions. 18.2 In the event of changes in diocesan organisation or boundaries or for any other reasons that the National Executive may deem sufficient it may propose resolutions to a general meeting of the League defining new regions or amending existing ones. 18.3 Each region may elect one representative to the National Executive by postal ballot, each member of that region having one vote. 18.4 Each Branch shall be entitled to nominate a candidate for regional representative subject only to obtaining her prior consent in writing to being 11
nominated. A candidate must be a Member of a Section affiliated to, or a Direct Member of that Branch. The National Executive may from time to time lay down the procedure for nominations and the conduct of the ballot. 18.5 Regional representatives may serve on the National Executive for a period of three years and thereafter may not serve as a regional representative until a further three years has elapsed since their last period of such service. This, however, shall not preclude their serving on the National Executive as a coopted member in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9.1 above 19. NATIONAL APPOINTMENTS 19.1 The following appointments shall be made by the National Executive: 19.1.1 A National Secretary who shall be a paid employee of the League with a contract of employment 19.1.2 A National Treasurer who may serve for a maximum of seven years Any other appointments shall be for a maximum period of three years. 19.2 The National Executive may also make such other appointments as they may consider necessary for the proper conduct of the League s affairs whether on an ad hoc basis or for such period or periods as it may consider appropriate. 19.3 All the above appointments (other than paid appointments) shall be reviewed annually and ratified at the AGM. 20. FINANCE 20.1 The National Executive, being the governing body of the League, must comply with the requirements of the Act as to the keeping of financial records, the auditing or independent examination of accounts. In particular all financial records shall be kept for not less than seven years. 20.2 The financial year of the League, including the National Executive, all Branches and Sections and any ad hoc group that may be formed under the aegis of the National Executive shall run from 1 st January to 31 st December in every year. 20.3 Subscriptions shall be reviewed annually by the National Executive and shall be paid by every member on joining the League and in January each year thereafter. Members joining the League on or after 31 st October in any year shall not be required to pay any subscription until the beginning of the next financial year. 20.4 On or before 31st March in every year the Treasurer of each Section shall remit to the Branch Treasurer the determined proportion of the current subscription for each member on the Register of Members maintained for that Section (the Section Register). 20.5 On or before 30 th June in every year each Branch Treasurer shall remit to the National Treasurer the determined proportion for each member of that Branch. This shall be deemed to be the Capitation Fee. 12
21. BANKING 21.1 Unless required for a reasonable and appropriate petty cash float or for investment purposes, all funds held for the purposes of the League or any Branch or Section of the League shall be held in a bank account in which the name Catholic Women s League appears together with the words Registered Charity and the Charity Registration Number. In addition, in respect of accounts held for Branch or Section purposes, there may be added words to identify the Branch or Section to which such accounts relate. The National Executive is responsible for ensuring compliance with the financial and accounting requirements of the Act. 21.2 All cheques drawn on such accounts must be signed by two persons duly authorised to operate the account in accordance with the relevant mandate. 21.3 The National Executive may make regulations from time to time as to the manner in which Branch or Section accounts are to be operated. As between different Branches and Sections different regulations may be applied if the National Executive consider it appropriate. 22. PROPERTY & FUNDS 22.1 The property and funds of the League must be used only for promoting its Objects and do not belong to the members of the League, the National Executive or any Branch or Section of the League. 22.2 No Member of the National Executive or of any Branch or Section of the League may receive any payment of money or other material benefit (whether direct or indirect) from the League except 22.2.1 under paragraphs 9.9.6 (indemnity insurance) 22.2.2 reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including hotel and travel costs) actually incurred in the administration of the League 22.2.3 interest at a reasonable rate on money lent to the League 22.2.4 a reasonable rent or hiring fee for property let or hired to the League 22.2.5 an indemnity in respect of any liabilities properly incurred in running the League (including the costs of a successful defence to criminal proceedings) 22.2.6 subject to the prior written consent of the Commission any member of the National Executive or any Member of the League who possesses specialist skills or knowledge, and any firm or company of which such a person is a member or employee, may charge and be paid reasonable fees for work carried out for the League on the instructions of the other members but (i) only if the procedure prescribed by paragraph 22.3 is followed in selecting the member, firm or company concerned and setting the fees and (ii) provided that this provision may not apply to more than one half of the membership of the National Executive in any financial year 22.2.7 in the case of an individual member, charitable benefits in her capacity as a beneficiary 13
22.2.8 in exceptional cases, other payments or material benefits (but only with the prior written approval of the Commission) 22.3 Whenever a member of the National Executive has a personal interest in a matter to be discussed at a meeting of the National Executive she must 22.3.1 declare an interest before discussion begins on the matter 22.3.2 withdraw from that part of the meeting unless expressly invited to remain in order to provide information 22.3.3 not be counted in the quorum for that part of the meeting 22.3.4 withdraw during the vote and have no vote on the matter 22.4 Any trust corporation which is appointed as a holding trustee or any nominee for the League may be paid reasonable fees. 22.5 Funds which are not required for immediate use or which will be required for use at a future date must be placed on deposit or invested in accordance with paragraph 22.6 below until needed. 22.6 Investments and other property of the League may be held: 22.6.1 in the names of the members of the National Executive for the time being (or in the name of the League if incorporated under the Act) 22.6.2 in the name of a nominee (being a corporate body registered or having an established place of business in England and Wales) under the control of the National Executive or of a financial expert acting on its instructions 22.6.3 in the name of at least two and up to four holding trustees for the League who must be appointed (and may be removed) by a resolution of the National Executive. 22.6.4 in the name of a trust corporation as a holding trustee for the League, which must be appointed (and may be removed) by deed executed by or on behalf of the National Executive 22.6.5 in the case of land, by the Official Custodian for Charities under an order of the Commission or the court 23. RECORDS 23.1 In addition to its responsibilities for accounting and financial records and the auditing or independent examination of accounts, the National Executive is also responsible for compliance with the requirements of the Act in relation to the preparation and transmission to the Commission of annual reports and returns. 23.2 In addition to ensuring that similar records are kept by all Branches and Sections, the National Executive is also responsible for keeping proper records of: 23.2.1 all proceedings at general meetings and 23.2.2 all its own proceedings 22.2.3 all professional advice obtained 23.3 Annual reports and statements of account relating to the League must be made available for inspection by any Member. 14
23.4 A copy of the latest available statement of account must be supplied to any person who makes a written request and pays the League's reasonable costs as required by the Act. 24. ALTERATIONS TO THE CONSTITUTION 24.1 No alteration to this Constitution may be made except at a general meeting of the League by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, details of the proposed amendment having been previously circulated in accordance with the notice convening the meeting in accordance with paragraph 15.1. 24.2 Subject to sub-paragraph 24.3 below, and with the exception of resolutions on the amount and division of subscriptions which may be brought forward in any year, a paragraph or any part of a paragraph of the Constitution once adopted may not be amended for the following three years. 24.3 Exceptionally, a resolution for the amendment of a paragraph or part of a paragraph of the Constitution may be adopted less than three years following a previous amendment if proposed by the National Executive of its own motion or if formally proposed by not less than half of the Branches. 24.4 No amendment may be made to clause 1 (name of charity clause), clause 3 (the objects clause), clause 22 (the property and funds clause), clause 25 (the dissolution clause) or this clause without the prior consent in writing of the Commission. 24.5 No amendment may be made which would have the effect of making the League cease to be a charity in law. 24.6 The National Executive should promptly send to the Commission a copy of any amendment made under this clause. 25. DISSOLUTION 25.1 If at any time the Members at a general meeting of the League decide that the League be dissolved, the members of the National Executive shall remain in office as charity trustees and be responsible for the orderly winding up of the League's affairs. 25.2 After making provision for all outstanding liabilities of the League, the National Executive must apply the remaining property and funds in one or more of the following ways: 25.2.1 by transfer to one or more other bodies established for exclusively charitable purposes within, the same as or similar to the Objects 25.2.2 directly for the Objects or charitable purposes within or similar to the Objects 25.2.3 in such other manner consistent with charitable status as the Commission approve in writing in advance. 25.3 A final report and statement of account relating to the League must be sent to the Commission. 15
THE SCHEDULE Act references to an Act of Parliament are references to the Act as amended or re-enacted from time to time and to any subordinate legislation made under it a general meeting of the League held annually in accordance Annual General with Meeting paragraph 13.4 and so designated Bishop a bishop recognised as such according to the laws and usages of the Church Branch a Branch of the League established in accordance with paragraph 11 Capitation Fee the proportion of the subscription due to be paid on behalf of Members to the National Executive under paragraph 20.5 Catholic in communion with the see of Rome Charity Trustee as prescribed by S 97(1) of the Act Church the Roman Catholic Church in communion with the See of Rome Chairman the person properly acting as such in respect of the National Executive or (if the context so admits) of any Branch, Section or ad hoc committee of the League Clear day 24 hours from midnight following the triggering event Commission The Charity Commission for England and Wales Constitution the rules of governance of the League as hereby constituted Co-opted Member a co-opted member of the National Executive under paragraph 9.1 Direct Branch a Member accepted as such under paragraph 6.1 Member Diocese/Diocesan a diocese as from time to time constituted by the Church or relating thereto Extraordinary any general meeting other than the Annual General Meeting General Meeting Financial Expert an individual, company or firm who is an authorised person within the meaning of the Financial Services Act 1986 Hierarchy the Bishops Conference of England and Wales acting collectively on behalf of the Church Holding Trustee an individual or corporate body responsible for holding the title to property but not authorised to make any decisions relating to its use, investment or disposal League The Catholic Women s League as established by this Constitution Member a member of the League duly admitted to membership Model Rules Model Rules for the governance of the National Executive, Branches and Sections of the League respectively under paragraphs 11 and 12 Month means calendar month 16
National those made by the National Executive under paragraph 19 Appointments National Executive the governing body of the League as generally constituted by paragraph 9 and acting as its charity trustees National President the President of the League confirmed as such at the Annual General Meeting following her election under paragraph 17.1 National Secretary the Secretary who may be appointed by the National Executive to act as such under paragraph 19.1.1 National Treasurer the Treasurer who must be appointed to act as such under paragraph 19.1.2 and an ex officio member of the National Executive under paragraph 9.1 Notices formal communications to Members as provided for in paragraph 15 Objects the Objects of the League as defined in paragraph 3 Parish/Parochial a parish as from time to time constituted or relating thereto Powers the Powers of the League as defined in paragraph 4 President-Elect the person elected to act as the League s National President in accordance with paragraph 17 but prior to her installation at an Annual General Meeting Priest in charge a priest duly appointed by a Bishop to be in charge of a particular parish Regional representatives of the Branches elected under paragraph 18 Representatives Regulations Regulations or bye-laws made from time to time by the National Executive under powers conferred by paragraph 9.9.7 Section a Section of the League established in accordance with paragraph 12 Special Committee A Committee or Group set up or acknowledged by the National Executive Subscriptions the sum payable annually by Members as proposed by the National Executive from time to time and approved by a General Meeting Written/writing refers to a legible document on paper including a fax message or document generated by e-mail Year means calendar year 17