WACAG Constitution 2007

1: Name

The name of the organisation shall be The Woodhouse Area Community Action Group, called "WACAG" in the rest of the constitution.

2: The Area

The Woodhouse area shall be that area within Rastrick Ward commonly referred to and known as Woodhouse (all that lies to the east of Huddersfield Rd and south of the river to the Kirklees border), and as may be specifically prescribed by WACAG as required. This will be referred to as “The Woodhouse Area” in the rest of the constitution.

3: Aims & Objectives

To address any and all matters affecting residents living in the area, including economic, social and housing concerns, and the safety and wellbeing of residents of any kind. The aim is to involve and practically empower ALL the people of the area to provide sustainable, community led solutions to local needs and to influence those who make decisions affecting the community through:

3.1    Improving the quality of life and the economic vitality in the Woodhouse Area; in particular developing initiatives aimed at making it a better place to live, work, play and invest.

3.2    Fully involving and empowering all individuals and organisations within the Woodhouse Area in the wider and particular regeneration process, to enable community cohesion and to ensure that issues of local importance are recognised and can be addressed.

3.3    Working with other public, statutory, private and voluntary organisations to promote and improve the Woodhouse Area.

3.4    Protecting and enhancing the green and open spaces in the Woodhouse Area for the enjoyment and facility of all residents and to maintain a safe haven for wildlife.

4: Powers

In furtherance of the aims and objectives, but not otherwise, WACAG may exercise the following powers:

4.1    To raise funds and to invite and receive contributions, provided that in raising funds WACAG shall not undertake any substantial permanent trading activities and shall conform to any relevant requirements of the law.

4.2    To promote WACAG's aims and objectives by producing publicity materials, flyers, notices and reports.

4.3    To promote WACAG's activities amongst the wider Brighouse and District community as a first stage and, then within the Calderdale Metropolitan Borough.

4.4    To bring together in conference representatives of businesses, voluntary organisations, council and government departments, social housing landlords, statutory authorities and individuals.

4.5    To co-operate with other voluntary bodies, businesses, charities and statutory authorities operating in furtherance of the aims and objectives or similar purposes and to exchange information and advice with them.

4.6    To support any enterprises, charitable trusts, associations or institutions formed for all or any of the aims and objectives.

4.7    To do all other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the aims and objectives.

5: Membership

5.1    WACAG is an unincorporated body operating on a not-for-profit basis, with any surplus funds being used to promote the community of the area.

5.2    Membership of WACAG will be open to people from any one of the following categories:

5.2.1    Any resident of the Woodhouse Area of whatever description. The membership aim is to be inclusive rather than to represent any one specific type of resident of the Woodhouse Area.

5.2.2    Representatives or owners of any organisation, business or property located in the Woodhouse Area interested in furthering the aims and objectives of WACAG.

5.3    Membership of any committees, sub committees and other ad hoc working groups will be open to members from any and all categories.

6: Executive

6.1    The day-to-day management of WACAG shall be invested in a committee, referred to as ‘the Officers’ in the rest of the constitution. The Officers will include a Chairperson, a Vice Chair, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Additionally a Police Liaison Officer, Child Protection Officer and a Young Peoples Representative. Elections for all Officer positions will be held at the AGM.

6.2    The Officers may fill any vacancy that occurs between the Annual Election Meetings. Such members will also retire at the next Annual Election Meeting, and be eligible for re-election. The Officers may also co-opt further Advisers, in a non-voting capacity, to support their work.


6.3    The quorum for any Officer meeting shall be three.

6.4    The Officers may form any sub committees and other ad hoc working groups, membership of which will be determined by them, to facilitate its work.

6.5    WACAG shall aim to meet at least four times a year, and the Officers will meet as often as necessary to facilitate the work of the group. All WACAG meetings will be open to the public; however, when matters of a personal or sensitive nature are to be discussed, sub groups will be convened.

7: Annual Election Meeting

7.1    This meeting should be held within 18 months of the previous AGM.

7.2    Officers will offer themselves for election at this meeting.

7.3    If there is more than one person offering himself or herself for Office, they should both or all retire and a vote by show of hands decide who shall be elected to serve.

7.4    Elections for Office shall be taken in the order as listed at 6.1.

7.5    A report of the last year's activities and the notice of the new Officers can be released to the media from this meeting.

8: Rules & Procedures

8.1    Decisions will be taken on the basis of a majority vote, with the Chairperson having a second and casting vote in the case of a tied vote.

8.2    The Officers will ensure that notes or minutes of all meetings are maintained, and that proceedings and any resolutions are recorded.

8.3    All Officers will be expected to act with respect and responsibility in terms of confidential matters arising.

8.4    Officers shall declare any interest in matters of WACAG's agendas or discussions. Members shall withdraw from any discussions, should a majority of members present feel this to be appropriate.

8.5    The Officers have the power to adopt and issue standing orders and / or rules for WACAG. These will come into operation immediately, provided that they shall be subject to review and ratification at the following Annual General Meeting, and shall not be inconsistent with the provision of the constitution.

8.6    The Officers shall have the power to ban the attendance of anyone who shall offend against the rules of WACAG or whose conduct – in the opinion of the Officers – shall render her / him unfit to be present. The secretary will confirm this decision to the individual and give details of the complaints made against her / him. The individual shall have right of appeal at the next meeting.


9: Finance

9.1    Any money raised by or on behalf of WACAG shall be applied to further the aims of the Group and not otherwise.  Payments may be made in good faith of reasonable and proper expenses of WACAG, or any other agreed out of pocket expenses incurred by others on behalf of the Group.

9.2    WACAG will maintain records of income and expenditure, which shall be subject to annual inspection and be presented at the AGM. Financial updates shall be made available for inspection at all WACAG meetings in the meantime.

9.3    A copy of the most recently available annual statement accounts may be made publicly available.

9.4    The Group will operate within financial guidelines and instructions issued by Calderdale MBC and other funding agencies.

10: Changes to the constitution

10.1    This constitution shall only be amended by the approval of at least two thirds of members present and voting at an Annual General Meeting, or an Extraordinary General meeting convened for this purpose.

11: Dissolution

11.1    WACAG can be wound up at any time provided at least 28 days public notice for an Extraordinary Meeting is given and stating the terms of the resolution to wind up.

11.2    If WACAG is wound up, any money or property remaining (after all proper debts and obligations have been settled) shall not be given to any individual member. Instead, these shall be transferred to an organisation (or organisations) with similar aims and objects; selected by members present and voting at the meeting convened to dissolve.


Agreed and adopted at the WACAG Committee Meeting held 6th January 2008 at 9 Woodhouse Lane, Brighouse. HD6 3TG. The constitution will be made available to the public meeting to be held on the 16th January.


Signed by:

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