Name:

1.The name of the charity will be the Pewsey and District Link hereafter called Pewsey Link within this document.

2. This charity is registered with the Charity Commission number 1005847.

Objectives and Purpose

3. The purpose of Pewsey Link is to provide transport for the benefit of those living within the parishes of Pewsey, the Altons, Beechingstoke, Burbage, Easton Royal, Honeystree, Huish, the Manningfords, Milton Lilbourne, North Newnton, Oare, Stanton St Bernard, Wilcot, Woodborough, and Wootton Rivers, who may be vulnerable because of age or poor health or where public transport and public services are restricted or not available.

4. Pewsey Link will assist those eligible, known as clients, to access health related services at GP surgeries, hospital and dentist appointments and other necessary requirements such as shopping or hairdressers and journeys to other organisations and events that support their well- being.

5. Transport for clients will be provided by volunteer drivers. Client requirements and volunteer drivers will be managed by a team of coordinators.  

Patron

6. Pewsey Link will endeavour to appoint a local patron to add credibility to the charity and to assist with fundraising and publicity. 

Management Committee and Trustees

7. Pewsey Link will have a management committee of 3 Officers and 2 co-opted members who will together be the trustees of the charity. At least one of the co-opted trustees will be a coordinator. The officers and trustees will be appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Additional members will be co-opted to the management committee by the trustees as necessary to bring necessary and required expertise and experience.

8. Members of the management committee will normally serve for a period of 3 years. This may be extended if no replacements are forthcoming.

9. The officers of the management committee will be:

Chair

Secretary

Treasurer

10. Only Trustees will have voting rights on the management committee and at any meeting there must be a minimum of 4 Trustees to enable a valid decision and vote to take place. 

11. The management committee will be responsible for ensuring Pewsey Link carries out its purposes and objectives and will meet 4 times a year.

12. A special general meeting may be called to discuss an urgent matter that cannot wait in normal time but decisions taken must be notified at a full meeting.

13. The management committee, trustees and officers will have suitable terms of reference and or job descriptions agreed by the committee and reviewed every 3 years.

Role of Trustees

14. In order to carry out the charitable purposes of Pewsey Link, the trustees have authority to:

1. Raise funds, receive donations and apply for grants.
2. Apply money available within the charity to carry out the work of Pewsey Link. 
3. Co-operate with and support other charities with similar purposes.
4. Do anything lawful and necessary to achieve the purpose of Pewsey Link.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

15. An AGM will be held each year and not longer than 15 months after the previous year’s meeting. The Chair will lead the meeting or another officer or trustee in their absence with a minimum of 4 trustees being in attendance.

16. The AGM will be open to volunteers, clients and interested members of the public. Only members of the management committee and current volunteers will be eligible to vote.  A motion will be carried if more than 50% of those present approve. The Chair will have the casting vote if required.  

17. At least 14 days notice of the meeting should be given with an available agenda.  Minutes of the meeting must be taken.

18. The following items will be included on the Agenda:

1. A report on the previous years activities.
2. A report on the charity’s accounts and finances.
3. Election of officers and trustees.

19. Only current members of the management committee and current volunteers are eligible to stand as officers or trustees of the charity.  Nominations for these positions are to be notified to the secretary before the meeting. If a vacancy occurs during the year, co-opted members of the management committee may be asked to become officers or trustees of the charity but their position must be confirmed at the next AGM.  

Finances and Property

20. Any funds or property held by the charity must only be used for the purpose and objectives of Pewsey Link.

21. The treasurer will present accounts at each committee meeting and at the AGM.

22. Accounts are to be independently examined on an annual basis.

23. Members of the management committee cannot receive any money or property belonging to the charity but may claim reasonable out of pocket expenses for costs incurred or for duties carried out for Pewsey Link. Expenses must be agreed by 2 other members of the committee.  

24. All cheques are to be signed by 2 trustees. 

Volunteers

25. Prospective volunteers will be notified to a member of the management committee. The prospective volunteer will be:

1. Interviewed by a member of the management committee where the purposes and objectives of Pewsey Link will be explained.
2. A minimum of 2 references will be sought.
3. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be made.   

26. On completion of these checks and approved the volunteer will be issued with an induction pack and identity card.

Reviews and Alterations to the Constitutions

27. The constitution will be reviewed every 3 years or as considered necessary. Any alterations must be agreed by the management committee and presented at the AGM.

28. The Charity Commission must be informed of changes to the Constitution. 

Dissolution of the Charity

29. In the event that the charity is no longer viable and cannot carry out its purposes and objectives then it will be dissolved.

30. All assets and property remaining after any liabilities and debts have been settled are to be distributed to other charitable institutions and where possible to those whose purposes and objectives are the same or similar.